Villa captain Ron Vlaar back for United clash

The Dutch international has been out for more than five weeks after suffering a recurrence of a calf injury.

But the 30-year-old has indicated he will be back for the game at Old Trafford and it comes at the ideal time for boss Tim Sherwood.

He's set to be without Philippe Senderos (calf), Nathan Baker and Jores Okore (both knee).

"It was really frustrating to have the set-back recently," said Vlaar, who is expected to partner Ciaran Clark in the heart of defence.

"It's happened a few times this season but I feel good now and I hope to be in for the weekend. Hopefully we've found the cause of the problems now."

Vlaar has not featured since being sent off in the opening game of Sherwood's Villa Park reign, a 2-1 defeat to Stoke.

The defender has hailed the new boss for removing the stress from the club's battle against the Premier League drop.

"I haven't had too many sessions with the gaffer - and only one game," he said. But I know there's a big difference now at Bodymoor Heath and at Villa Park.

"There's a lot more energy and positive vibes going through the building. You feel it everywhere and that's a good thing.

"You can see it with the players and all of the people who work at the club.

"I think having a laugh and a joke is good and he's the type of manager who likes to do that with his players.

"The stress levels, even with the situation that we're in, are lower than before which makes it easier for everyone to work in this environment."