Michael Carrick aware Man United already have a big advantage over Aston Villa

Manchester United will be back in action against Aston Villa at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday.

United will be eager to bounce back after suffering a shock 2-1 defeat to ten-man Newcastle United in their previous outing.

Despite that setback, United interim head coach Michael Carrick has exceeded expectations since stepping into the role. He has guided his team to six victories, one draw and one defeat in eight games.

The former United midfielder now has a golden opportunity to claim another important win with his side already holding a subtle advantage heading into the fixture.

The Red Devils last played on March 4 and had a free weekend due to an early exit from the FA Cup.

They were also spared any midweek commitments after failing to qualify for European competitions this season.

The situation is not the same for the Midlands outfit.

Villa were not in action last weekend but made a trip to France to face Lille in the UEFA Europa League yesterday.

The Villans lacked any chemistry but still managed a crucial 1-0 victory after a clinical finish from striker Ollie Watkins in the second half.

Now they will travel to Manchester for Sunday’s league clash.

The long journey and tight turnaround could prove draining for the Villa players. That challenge becomes even more significant considering that United have had ample time to rest and prepare for the clash.

However, possessing a scheduling advantage does not automatically guarantee victory for the Red Devils.

Carrick must ensure that his players remain sharp after the break and start the match with intensity.

Both teams currently sit on 51 points, meaning a victory for either side could prove decisive in the race for a top-four finish in the English top flight.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .