United Target Fifth Straight Home Win
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United are chasing a fifth consecutive PL home victory when Aston Villa visit Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. Both sides are competing for places in next season’s CL, but they arrive at the fixture with slightly different momentum after the past week’s results.
United suffered their first defeat since Carrick took charge last weekend, while Aston Villa have been occupied with European duties in France earlier this week.
Analysis
After a difficult 2024–25 campaign, when the club recorded their worst-ever PL finish, and a troubled start to the current season under Ruben Amorim, Michael Carrick has steadied matters at Old Trafford. The former United midfielder has won six of his eight matches as interim manager.
United’s progress was briefly halted when they lost 2–1 away to Newcastle on March 4. In that match Casemiro scored, taking his tally to six PL goals this season, equalling the Brazilian’s best scoring return from his time at Real Madrid in Spain during the 2020–21 season.
Since Carrick’s appointment, United have collected 19 points, lifting the club to third place in the PL. They now sit three points ahead of Liverpool in sixth in the race for CL qualification.
Old Trafford has played a major role in that resurgence. Under Carrick, United have won four consecutive PL home matches, with a combined goal difference of 9–3.
Aston Villa travel to Manchester following an important European victory. On Thursday, Unai Emery’s side won 1–0 away to Lille in the first leg of their EL round-of-16 tie.
The decisive goal came from Ollie Watkins, whose header ended a run of 12 matches without a goal in European competition. Villa are aiming to win their first continental trophy since lifting both the European Cup and European Super Cup in 1982.
In the PL, however, results have been more inconsistent. Villa are without a win in their last three league matches (one draw and two defeats) and have managed just two victories in their last nine league games since the beginning of January.
As a result, they have dropped out of the title race and must instead focus on securing a CL place over the final nine matches of the season.
Historically, Manchester United have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have won five of the last six PL meetings at home against Aston Villa.
Team News
Manchester United have received a boost ahead of the weekend fixture. Noussair Mazraoui is available again despite limping off during the defeat against Newcastle. However, Lisandro Martinez remains unavailable due to a calf injury. The hosts will also continue without Mason Mount (knock), Matthijs de Ligt (back) and Patrick Dorgu (hamstring).
For Aston Villa, John McGinn made his return when he appeared from the bench in the EL match against Lille after missing the previous 10 matches. The Scotland international could be in contention to start at Old Trafford. Villa still have midfield concerns. Youri Tielemans (ankle) and Boubacar Kamara (knee) are both unavailable. In addition, Matty Cash is a doubt after being substituted at half-time in Villa’s most recent PL match.
Verdict and Betting Angle
Manchester United have been strong at home since Michael Carrick took charge and have had ample time to prepare for Sunday’s match.
Aston Villa arrive in Manchester after a demanding European fixture in France, and several absences further complicate their task.
Taking everything into account, the hosts appear well positioned to continue their strong home record.
Tip: Manchester United win at 1.70.
Don’t forget that we also have Early Payout on this match, which you can read more about here.
Odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last Updated: 13.03.2026
