Manchester United will be hoping for a fifth straight Premier League victory at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon as we take on fellow Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa. Michael Carrick suffered his first defeat as interim manager away to Newcastle United last time out, whilst our opponents have been in European action midweek.
Michael Carrick has won six out of the eight matches he’s been in charge of so far, bringing calm to the Theatre of Dreams. Whilst other teams in and around us in the Premier League table have been taking part in the FA Cup and European matches, United were left to mull over the disappointing 2-1 defeat at St. James Park to Newcastle United on March 4. Casemiro, who found the net during Carrick’s first loss, has now scored six goals this season in the Premier League, which is on par with the same amount he scored for Real Madrid in La Liga during the 2020/21 season.
The Reds have achieved 19 points in the Premier League since Carrick’s appointment, which has seen us climb into third place on goal difference ahead of Aston Villa and in pole position for the race into the Champions League next season. We are just three points above Chelsea and Liverpool, respectively in the table.
Old Trafford has seen four consecutive league victories by an aggregate scoreline of 9-3, with Carrick looking to secure another win on Sunday afternoon. United have done better against Villa when playing at home in recent times, winning five of the last six games.
Manchester United Team News
For United, they have received a major fitness boost ahead of Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford, as defender Noussair Mazaroui will be available for selection after limping off the pitch at Newcastle last time out. However, Lisandro Martinez remains out with a calf injury and will not play against Aston Villa.
Michael Carrick confirmed that Mason Mount has returned to training as he builds his fitness towards being in the match-day squad, though the question remains if he will feature. Patrick Dorgu (hamstring) and Matthijs De Ligt (back) remain, medium-term absentees as they look to recover from their respective injuries.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
Lammens;
Mazraoui, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw;
Casemiro, Mainoo,
Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha;
Sesko
Opposition Preview
At the start of the calendar year, Aston Villa’s form in the Premier League has been wavering, but they have been a force within the Europa League, securing a victory over Lille in the first leg of the last 16 tie and remain one of the favourites to win the competition. Ollie Watkins ended his 12-game scoring drought with a header to beat Berke Ozer, giving them the advantage going into the second leg, with the Villans targeting their first European silverware since 1982, when they won the European Cup and Super Cup.
Back to domestic issues, Unai Emery will be looking to get his 101st victory as Aston Villa manager, ending a three-game winless run (D2, L1) in the Premier League. They have only 2 wins in their last nine outings in the top-flight since January, seeing them fall out of contention in the title race and now clinging onto the Champions League qualification spots for the remaining nine games.
Aston Villa Team News
Unai Emery welcomed John McGinn back on Thursday evening against Lille following his 10-game absence, and will be pushing for a place in the starting eleven at the Theatre of Dreams. There are still problems for the Villa midfield as both Youri Tielemans (ankle) and Boubacar Kamara (knee) remain out of contention. Right-back Matty Cash had to come off at half time during the most recent Premier League game and is a doubt for Sunday.
Form Guide
Manchester United Premier League form: WDWWL
Aston Villa Premier League form: DWDLL
Aston Villa form (all competitions): LDLLW
Prediction
We boast a perfect record at Old Trafford under Michael Carrick, and Manchester United will be in a confident mood that this can be extended on Sunday afternoon, given the extended preparation time for the game. With Aston Villa’s form in the league stuttering, United have to take full advantage to put a firm grip on third place in the table, which will go a long way to securing Champions League football next season.
Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa
