Aston Villa vs. Manchester United: 8 Players to Watch

1 of 10

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

It doesn't take a genius to know Ashley Young will get lots of attention when Manchester United visits Aston Villa this weekend.

But who else should we be watching?

Sure, Young will be the story. He's making his first trip back to Villa Park after completing his big money move from Aston Villa to Manchester United this past summer.

He'll be on this list, but he won't be the only player worth watching in Saturday's match.

1. Manchester United: Ashley Young

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

We'll get the obvious out of the way first.

Young is making his first trip back to Villa Park, which is where he spent the previous four seasons. He joined Manchester United in the summer for an undisclosed fee, thought to be around £16 million, and for wages of a reported £130,000 per week.

Anyone think Villa fans will take it easy on Young?

Neither do we.

Young, by the way, scored a penalty in Aston Villa's 2-2 home draw with United last season. This term, he's scored two league goals, both in the 8-2 win over Arsenal.

2. Aston Villa: Darren Bent

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Bent is Villa's joint lead scorer with a respectable five league goals this term.

But he hasn't scored in any competition since his brace at home against Norwich City on Nov. 5.

Aston Villa have struggled to score goals, bagging just 16 in 13 league matches. They've been held scoreless four times, though only once at home.

Bent, for his part, has never been the best player in big matches. He's said he feels like he's on trial whenever he plays for England.

So how will he feel when he's playing the country's biggest club?

3. Manchester United: Nemanja Vidic

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Here's a surprising stat: Manchester United have allowed only three goals in six away matches this season in the Premier League.

Not surprisingly, they've won four and drawn two in their travels.

If they keep up that form, it'll probably have a lot to do with their defense. And if their defense plays well, it'll probably have a lot to do with Nemanja Vidic.

4. Aston Villa: Stiliyan Petrov

Scott Heavey/Getty Images

Aston Villa's big, dependable midfielder has been dealing with a hamstring injury.

Petrov's status will be clearer after he returns to training Thursday, but we doubt he'll miss this one.

As club captain, Petrov gives Villa a strong presence in the middle of the park. And they'll need it against Manchester United's midfield, no matter whom Sir Alex Ferguson selects.

5. Manchester United: Patrice Evra

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

United's captain didn't play particularly well in the 1-1 draw against Newcastle last weekend.

In fact, he hasn't played particularly well since making allegations of racism at Luis Suarez.

Maybe the whole thing has been a distraction.

6. Aston Villa: Gabriel Agbonlahor

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Petrov thinks Gabby is in the same category as Cristiano Ronaldo.

That's more than a little off the mark, but Agbonlahor has played well this season. With five goals, he's tied with Bent as Villa's top scorer, but like Bent, he hasn't scored at all since the Norwich game nearly a month ago.

Both will need to find their scoring boots if Villa is to beat United.