Carrick to make 2 big changes vs Aston Villa as £57m Man Utd star returns

Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick could make two big changes to the starting line-up for the Premier League game against Aston Villa at Old Trafford next weekend.

The Red Devils saw their seven-match unbeaten league run under Carrick end after a late 2-1 loss to 10-man Newcastle United at St James’ Park. William Osula scored a 90th-minute winner for the Magpies.

Despite the result, United are still third in the league standings with 51 points, ahead of Villa on goal difference. They also have a three-point lead over Chelsea and Liverpool, who are fifth and sixth. The club are well placed in the Champions League race.

United have the opportunity to return to winning ways against Villa on March 15. Ahead of the game, we anticipate Carrick to make at least two changes from the disappointing loss on Tyneside.

Lisandro Martinez has been sidelined for the last three matches with a calf problem, but speaking prior to the Magpies clash, Carrick revealed that it could be a ‘matter of days‘ for the centre-back.

Keeping that in mind, the £57 million signing could be reinstated straight into the starting XI alongside Harry Maguire for next weekend’s league encounter against Unai Emery’s side.

Leny Yoro has fared decently well in Martinez’s injury absence, but the Frenchman wonderkid will most certainly drop to the bench if the World Cup winner is deemed fit to play again.

Alongside Martinez, there could be another defensive change against the Villans. Diogo Dalot looks likely to reclaim his starting position in the right-back role ahead of Noussair Mazraoui.

Mazraoui was rewarded with his maiden start under Carrick against the Magpies, but the Moroccan had a disappointing end to the game. He was substituted with an evident injury concern.

The former Bayern Munich man was spotted limping out of St James’ Park, and it won’t come as a surprise if the 28-year-old is ruled out of the upcoming league meeting versus Villa.

Hence, Carrick looks poised to make at least two changes to the starting XI.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .