Manchester United will look to tighten their grip on a Champions League spot when they host Aston Villa in a six-pointer at the top of the table.
The two sides are locked together in the Premier League table on 51 points, with the Red Devils edging third on goal difference and in far superior form.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Aston Villa
Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.
Kick-off at Old Trafford is scheduled for 2pm, and viewers in the UK can watch the game exclusively live on Sky Sports Main Event.
Man Utd team news vs Aston Villa
Noussair Mazraoui came off late against Newcastle with a knock, but that game was almost two weeks ago, and the Moroccan has had enough time to recover and at least take his place on the bench. Diogo Dalot is more likely to start in his place.
However, Michael Carrick still has plenty of defensive injuries to deal with, as Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu are all out until mid-April at the earliest.
With the exception of Mazraoui, Carrick is likely to field a consistent starting line-up given United’s recent form — with the exception of the 2-1 loss to Newcastle.
Tote sign-up offer: Bet £10, get £30 in free bets
Not signed up to Tote yet? Here's how eligible readers* can take advantage of their welcome offer:
- Open an account at Tote using this link.
- Use code B10G40 on registration.
- Deposit and place a £10 bet on sports or racing at 1/1 or greater.
- When it settles, unlock £30 in free bets
#AD 18+ New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Bet min of £/€10 at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £/€10 Win + £/€10 Place) within 7 days of registration. Receive £/€20 Tote Credit and £/€10 Free Sports Bet. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool or sports bet added to the bet slip. 7-day expiry. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.
Another chance for Carrick to prove himself at Man Utd
The effect Michael Carrick has had on Manchester United’s fortunes has been stark, dragging the Red Devils up the table after a disastrous start to the season under Ruben Amorim.
The loss to Newcastle last time out was his first as Red Devils boss, and United have climbed from seventh and barely in the Champions League race when Carrick arrived, to third and strong favourites to return to European football’s top table.
A win against a direct table rival here could do wonders for Carrick’s permanent job prospects, and former teammate Michael Owen believes he’s the right man to take over, providing a taste of the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
“I can’t believe people are questioning whether he should get the job,” Owen said on the latest edition of BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show.
“Manchester United have waited about 12 years – they’ve gone for proven, legends, everything since Sir Alex [Ferguson].
“And the one time they are starting to play well, get results, the fans are on board – you’re telling me at the end of the season if he gets third [place] they will say ‘thanks, but no thanks’. How is that possible?”
Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe also recently praised the ‘excellent job’ Carrick is doing at Old Trafford.
However, when pressed on Carrick’s permanent prospects, Ratcliffe replied: “No, not going there.”
Ratcliffe may have to re-think that stance if United pull off a statement win against Aston Villa on Sunday.