Manchester United vs Aston Villa: The Preview

Tuesday night was a reminder of what Old Trafford can be like when United give the crowd something to believe in.

Two goals down against Roma, with another defeat looking increasingly likely, Carrick’s side produced the kind of comeback we’ve been missing. Bruno Fernandes started it from the penalty spot, Matheus Cunha finished it with two goals in three minutes, and Shea Lacey played the pass that sent the place into chaos.

It was a brilliant night and one we should enjoy. Now comes the important part: following it up against Aston Villa.

A Result to Build On

There’s no point pretending one comeback has solved everything at United, especially when we were two goals behind inside 17 minutes. The first half against Roma showed many of the same defensive problems that have followed us throughout the season.

What happened after the break was encouraging though. United played with more urgency, the substitutions made an impact and the players kept going when the game appeared to be slipping away. For a team that has looked so short of confidence, a night like that could be important.

The challenge for Carrick is bringing that second-half performance into the league. United are 17th with seven points from nine games, and we haven’t won a Premier League match since beating Ipswich at the end of August.

Villa will arrive with confidence of their own. They’re unbeaten in five league games, including an impressive victory over Manchester City, although they were beaten 3-0 by Barcelona in midweek.

There’s also been plenty of discussion about Unai Emery’s future, with the Villa manager linked in reports to the United job. Villa have since said they’re planning their long-term future with Emery, while Carrick remains focused on trying to turn things around at Old Trafford.

Sunday gives him another opportunity to do exactly that.

Manchester United Team News

Carlos Baleba will miss the game after suffering a hamstring injury during Tuesday’s win over Roma. The midfielder went off shortly after half-time, and United haven’t yet confirmed how long he’ll be out.

Youri Tielemans replaced Baleba against Roma and impressed during the comeback, making him the most likely player to start alongside Kobbie Mainoo against his former club. Mainoo completed 90 minutes on Tuesday in his first start since returning from injury.

Tielemans could face his former club after helping United’s comeback against Roma

Lisandro Martínez serves a one-match domestic ban following his sending-off last weekend, meaning Ayden Heaven could continue alongside Harry Maguire in central defence. Matthijs de Ligt is another option after returning from injury.

Cunha is available despite being sent off against Roma. His suspension applies in the Champions League rather than the Premier League, which is welcome news after his match-winning contribution.

Patrick Dorgu has returned to training, although it remains to be seen whether he’s ready to feature. Marcus Rashford is being assessed day by day after a hip problem, while Luke Shaw, Benjamin Šeško and Manuel Ugarte remain sidelined.

The biggest attacking question is whether Lacey has done enough to earn a start. He looked sharp and dangerous of the bench against Roma, and United are currently quite short of options off the bench. Don’t surprised to see the youngster come on in the second half.

Aston Villa Team News

Matty Cash is suspended after collecting his fifth league booking of the season, leaving Emery with a decision to make at right-back.

Former United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been working his way back from a hamstring problem and could be an option if he’s fit. Another familiar face, Victor Lindelöf, started in central defence against Barcelona and may also feature on his return to Old Trafford.

Amadou Onana remains out with a long-term knee injury, while Matteo Ruggeri has been sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Further forward, Nicolas Jackson will be a major threat. The striker scored against Fulham last weekend, taking his tally to five goals in his last five Premier League appearances.

Last Five Results

Manchester United – WLLLD

Aston Villa – LDLWW

Villa’s last three results have brought them back down to earth after a strong run, but the win over City showed what Emery’s side can do against good opposition. United won’t be able to rely on the visitors having another difficult afternoon.

What United Need to Do

The obvious place to start is the opening 20 minutes. Roma were allowed to settle far too easily on Tuesday, and Villa have players capable of causing the same problems if United give them space to run into.

Jackson’s movement will test whichever centre-back pairing Carrick selects, while Johan Manzambi can link midfield and attack. Mainoo and Tielemans will need to be disciplined when United lose possession, particularly with Baleba’s physical presence missing.

With the ball, there’s a good case for keeping Cunha through the middle. Carrick moved him centrally during the Roma game, with Bryan Mbeumo shifting wider, and the change helped get the Brazilian into the positions from which he scored both goals.

Cunha was MOTM against Roma

Lacey deserves serious consideration on the right. He played without fear against Roma, taking the ball in tight areas and looking forward whenever he could. There’s no need to place the entire burden on a teenager, but United could benefit from more of that confidence from the start.

Amad would be an unfortunate player to leave out, and Carrick may prefer to use Lacey from the bench again. Either way, United need to get their wide players involved early and test whoever replaces Cash at right-back.

The supporters will be ready after Tuesday. If United can match that energy from the first whistle, rather than waiting until they’re behind, Old Trafford can be an uncomfortable place for Villa to visit.

Predicted XI

Lammens;

Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Dalot;

Mainoo, Tielemans;

Lacey, Fernandes, Mbeumo;

Cunha.

With Baleba expected to miss out, Tielemans partners Mainoo in midfield. Lacey starting would be the big call, with Amad the obvious alternative. Dorgu could also come into consideration if he’s ready after returning to training.

Predicted Score

Villa are a good side and Jackson’s form makes it difficult to imagine United having an easy afternoon, particularly with Martínez suspended and Baleba likely to miss out.

Still, Tuesday’s comeback should have given the players a lift, and United have a strong recent home record against Villa. We won this fixture 3-1 in March, with Cunha among the scorers, and I’m backing him to help deliver another important win.

Manchester United 2-1 Aston Villa