Ross Barkley could give Aston Villa the control they need against Manchester United

One of the more interesting selection decisions facing Unai Emery ahead of Sunday's trip to Manchester United concerns the composition of Aston Villa's midfield, and I wouldn't be particularly surprised if Ross Barkley comes into the starting eleven.

Jacob Tanswell suggested on a recent episode of 1874 that he had a feeling Barkley might play at Old Trafford, and while he was careful not to present that as definitive information, it's an idea that makes quite a lot of sense when you consider the opposition and the type of game Villa will want to play.

I included Barkley alongside Boubacar Kamara in my predicted team, because I think there is an opportunity for Villa to establish control in central areas against a Manchester United side that has struggled to find the right balance in midfield this season.

We've seen how vulnerable United can be when opponents manage to progress through their initial pressure, and while they've attempted to become a more aggressive, possession-focused team under Michael Carrick, I'm not convinced their midfield is particularly well equipped to execute that approach.

Barkley offers something slightly different to João Gomes, particularly when it comes to controlling the tempo of possession and recognising when to accelerate or slow down Villa's build-up.

He's comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, he can contribute to our progression through midfield and he's got the experience to understand when a game requires a little more patience.

That could be particularly important at Old Trafford, where we've seen Villa get themselves into promising positions in the past before allowing the game to become far too open.

I discussed this with Dave Reed on our latest preview, and he agreed that Barkley would be a sensible option if Emery wants Villa to dominate possession. Dave also raised the possibility that Leon Goretzka could be involved following his encouraging appearance against Barcelona, where his physicality and ability to retain possession offered some positive signs.

There are several options available to Emery now, which is encouraging given how much football Villa have already played this season, and I think we're approaching a point where he can make changes based on the specific requirements of a fixture rather than simply selecting the players who are available.

Gomes is an interesting part of that discussion because, while I think he's shown some encouraging signs, it's worth remembering that he's been asked to play an awful lot of football during the early stages of his Villa career.

Emery generally prefers to introduce new signings gradually, allowing them to understand the demands of his system before becoming regular starters, but the long-term absence of Amadou Onana has meant Gomes hasn't necessarily had that luxury.

He's had to learn while playing, and although there have been some difficult moments, I don't think that should detract from the qualities he possesses or the player he can become under Emery.

There is also the possibility of Gomes being used at right-back, something I explored earlier this week following his appearance in that position against Fenerbahçe.

I actually think there's a strong tactical argument for considering that option against Manchester United, particularly if Aaron Wan-Bissaka isn't ready to return.

Gomes stepping into midfield from right-back could give Villa an additional player in central areas, helping us create numerical superiority against United while also providing some protection against their counterattacking threat.

It's an approach that could potentially surprise Manchester United, particularly if they've prepared for a more conventional full-back, and I think Gomes has the technical ability and awareness to contribute effectively in those situations.

Of course, there are legitimate concerns about asking a central midfielder to perform the defensive responsibilities of a full-back, particularly against a side with United's attacking options, and Emery will have to weigh those risks against the potential benefits.

Wan-Bissaka returning would make the decision considerably easier, although I wouldn't completely dismiss the Gomes option even if he's available.

The other factor in all of this is the form and fitness of Villa's attacking midfielders.

Johan Manzambi has looked a little tired in recent matches, although I still think he's an exceptional footballer and wouldn't be surprised if Emery keeps him in the team. We've seen previously how the manager is prepared to play talented young players through difficult periods rather than immediately removing them from the side.

John McGinn's position will also influence the balance of the team, particularly if Alysson starts on the right and Manzambi operates from the left, as I suggested in my predicted eleven.

There are several different combinations available, but for me the priority has to be ensuring that Villa have enough control in midfield to prevent United from turning the match into an end-to-end contest.

Barkley isn't necessarily the most exciting selection Emery could make, but there are occasions when experience, positional discipline and the ability to manage possession become particularly valuable.

I think Sunday could be one of those occasions, and after the disappointment of Barcelona, there would be something reassuring about seeing Villa go to Old Trafford and control the game through the quality of their midfield.