Perfect timing for Carrick: £112m Man Utd duo poised to return vs Aston Villa - Opinion

Manchester United now have a free weekend due to their early FA Cup exit ahead of hosting Aston Villa on March 15.

The encounter promises to be a tantalising battle between two sides fiercely competing to secure a coveted place in the UEFA Champions League for next season.

The Red Devils currently sit third in the Premier League table, level on points with Villa.

With just nine games left in the season, United head coach Michael Carrick will be eager for his side to return to winning ways after the 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United.

Carrick could also receive a timely boost, with two key players potentially returning from injury ahead of the Villa clash.

Mason Mount has missed the last six games due to a knock in training.

The United manager confirmed ahead of the Newcastle encounter that Mount is edging closer to making his return to action.

With more than a week until the Villa fixture, it would be a major surprise if the £55 million signing is not fully fit by then.

Lisandro Martinez is the second player who could be available for the clash next Sunday.

Martinez sustained a calf problem before the trip to Everton.

It was revealed that he could be out for up to two weeks due to the minor injury.

If fully recovered, the £56.7 million defender could be restored straight into the starting XI against Villa.

That scenario might see Leny Yoro drop to the bench, with Harry Maguire shifting to the right centre-back position.

Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu remain sidelined with longer-term injuries.

While Dorgu is expected to return from his hamstring issue sometime in April, there is still no clear timeline regarding De Ligt’s recovery.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .