Manchester United vs Aston Villa – News and Probable Lineups

In search of their fifth consecutive victory at Old Trafford under Michael Carrick, Manchester United welcomes fellow Champions League contenders Aston Villa in the Premier League this Sunday afternoon.

The Red Devils faced their first setback since the 44-year-old’s temporary appointment in their last match, while the Villans have been involved in European matters in France this week.

Match overview

Following their worst-ever finish in the Premier League during the 2024-25 season and a difficult start to the new campaign with Ruben Amorim at the helm, Carrick, a former midfielder, has led his side to six wins in eight matches as interim head coach, stabilizing the situation at the Theatre of Dreams.

While nearly all of their direct Premier League competitors took part in both FA Cup and international matches last week, Manchester United was left reflecting on a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park on March 4.

In Carrick’s first defeat as head coach, midfield strongman Casemiro managed to score, bringing his total to six goals in the 2025-26 Premier League season, matching his highest tally during his time at Real Madrid in La Liga in the 2020-21 campaign.

Having secured an impressive 19 points since Carrick’s Interim appointment, Manchester United has climbed to third place in the race for Champions League qualification, three points ahead of sixth-placed Liverpool.

The Theatre of Dreams has lived up to its name for Carrick in recent months, with the 44-year-old manager winning four straight Premier League games at home, scoring an aggregate of 9-3.

Although Aston Villa has struggled in the Premier League since the year began, they continue to be a strong contender in the Europa League, having narrowly defeated Lille in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Thursday night.

With a fantastic header at Decathlon Arena, Ollie Watkins ended a 12-match goal drought in Europe, giving the Villans a slight edge for the second leg as they pursue their first continental trophy since their Champions League and UEFA Super Cup triumphs in 1982.

Turning their attention back to domestic competitions, Unai Emery will be eager to secure his 101st victory as Aston Villa manager on Sunday, hoping to put an end to their three-match winless streak in the Premier League (D1 L2).

Only winning twice in their last nine top-flight contests since the start of January, the Villans have slipped out of title contention and must hold onto a Champions League position as the final nine matches of the season approach.

Despite their recent decline, Manchester United has performed better in head-to-head matches at home, having triumphed in five of the last six encounters against Villa at the Theatre of Dreams.

Team News

Manchester United has received a significant fitness boost ahead of this weekend, with defender Noussair Mazraoui available for selection despite having previously limped off during the match against Newcastle.

On a less favorable note, Lisandro Martinez is still nursing a calf injury and will miss the fixture at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Additionally, the hosts have a couple of medium-term absentees, including Mason Mount (knock), Matthijs de Ligt (back), and Patrick Dorgu (hamstring).

Aston Villa welcomed back John McGinn to action against Lille on Thursday after a 10-match absence, and the Scotland international could start in Manchester.

However, the Villans continue to have midfield issues with their first-choice players Youri Tielemans (ankle) and Boubacar Kamara (knee) both sidelined.

Right-back Matty Cash is also uncertain for this weekend after being substituted at half time during Villa’s last Premier League game.

Manchester United probable starting XI:

Lammens; Mazraoui, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo, Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko

Aston Villa probable starting XI:

Martinez; Bogarde, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Luiz, Onana, Sancho, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins

With a perfect record at Old Trafford since Carrick took charge, Manchester United will be optimistic about extending their winning streak this weekend, especially given the extended preparation time for this fixture.

Meanwhile, an injury-hit Aston Villa arrives at the Theatre of Dreams after a Thursday night game in France, potentially facing their third consecutive Premier League loss for the first time since February 2023.