Manchester United team news: Radamel Falcao starts alongside Robin van Persie as Aston Villa make four changes

Falcao handed just his fourth start of the season while Darren Fletcher replaces the ill Marouane Fellaini

Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao is yet to prove his fitness (Getty Images)

Radamel Falcao will make just his fourth Premier League start after being named in the side to face Aston Villa on Saturday.

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Falcao replaces youngster James Wilson from the side that beat Liverpool 3-0 last weekend, and there’s a welcome return to the bench for midfielder Angel Di Maria after a month out through injury.

Michael Carrick continues in defence with Darren Fletcher replacing Marouane Fellaini – who misses out through illness. Rafael is also back in the matchday squad as he replaces Ander Herrera, who misses out altogether.

Aston Villa make four changes to the side that lost the Midlands derby against West Brom last time out, with captain Ron Vlaar fit enough to make his first start since 8 November. Matt Lowton joins him in defence, with Fabian Delph and Andreas Weimann also coming in at the expense Tom Cleverley, the suspended Kieran Richardson and Charles N’Zogbia – who drops to the bench.

Alan Hutton misses out after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season last week.

Line-ups:

Aston Villa: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar (c), Okore, Clark, Cissokho, Sanchez, Delph, Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke.

Subs: Given, Bacuna, Herd, N'Zogbia, Robinson, Grealish, Calder

Manchester United: De Gea, Jones, Carrick, Evans, Valencia, Fletcher, Mata, Rooney, Young, Van Persie, Falcao.

Subs: Lindegaard, Blackett, McNair, Rafael, Di Maria, Januzaj, Wilson