Manchester United vs Aston Villa: Preview, Team News, Time and Score Prediction

Manchester United will be aiming for a fifth consecutive home victory under interim manager Michael Carrick when they welcome fellow Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa to Old Trafford for a crucial Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon.

The Red Devils are looking to bounce back after suffering their first defeat under the 44-year-old's leadership in their last outing. In contrast, Villa head to Manchester following a midweek European fixture in France.

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After a dismal 2024-25 campaign and a rocky start to the current season under Ruben Amorim, former midfielder Michael Carrick has steadied the ship at the Theatre of Dreams. Winning six of his eight matches in charge, he has revitalised the team's fortunes.

While most of their league rivals were engaged in FA Cup or European fixtures, United have had a full week to reflect on their 2-1 loss to Newcastle United at St James' Park on March 4. A notable moment in that defeat was Casemiro's goal, his sixth of the Premier League season, which equals his personal best league tally set with Real Madrid in 2020-21.

Since Carrick's appointment, Manchester United have collected an impressive 19 points, propelling them into third place in the standings. They now hold a three-point cushion over sixth-placed Liverpool in the tight race for Champions League qualification.

Old Trafford has become a fortress under its former player, with Carrick guiding the team to four straight Premier League wins at home, boasting an aggregate score of 9-3.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa, despite a recent dip in league form, remain a formidable opponent in the Europa League. They secured a vital 1-0 away win against Lille in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Thursday.

Ollie Watkins ended a 12-game European goal drought with a decisive header, giving the Villans a crucial advantage as they chase their first continental trophy since their 1982 Champions League and UEFA Super Cup triumphs.

Shifting focus back to domestic competition, manager Unai Emery is eager to secure his 101st win in charge of Villa and end a three-match winless streak in the Premier League (D1, L2). Having won just two of their last nine top-flight games since January, Villa's title challenge has faded, and they must now fight to maintain their position in the Champions League spots over the final nine matches.

History at Old Trafford favours the home side. Manchester United have won five of the last six encounters against Aston Villa at the Theatre of Dreams, a trend they will be keen to continue.

Manchester United have received a significant boost with defender Noussair Mazraoui declared fit to play, despite being forced off with an injury against Newcastle. However, Lisandro Martinez remains sidelined with a persistent calf problem and will miss Sunday's game.

The hosts will also be without several other players, including Mason Mount (knock), Matthijs de Ligt (back), and Patrick Dorgu (hamstring).

For Aston Villa, John McGinn made a welcome return from a 10-match absence in the midweek game against Lille, and the Scotland international could be in line for a start in Manchester. The Villans' midfield issues continue, though, with first-choice duo Youri Tielemans (ankle) and Boubacar Kamara (knee) still unavailable.

Right-back Matty Cash, who was substituted at halftime in Villa's last league match, is a doubt for the trip to Old Trafford.

The match will kick off at 5pm East African time and will be live on SuperSport TV.

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

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

With a perfect home record under Michael Carrick and a full week to prepare, Manchester United will be confident of securing another victory. The team's strong form at Old Trafford gives them a distinct advantage.