Carrick previews Aston Villa clash after United's comeback win over Roma

Michael Carrick held his pre-match press conference at Carrington on Friday to preview Manchester United’s Premier League home game against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The interim United manager is expected to reveal the latest team news and reflect on a dramatic midweek result in which his side overturned a two-goal deficit to beat Roma 3-2 in the Champions League. Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty and Matheus Cunha scored twice in the second half to complete the turnaround, rescuing United from what had looked like a tenth game without a win.

Carrick will be looking for his squad to carry that momentum into the weekend’s Premier League fixture. Villa’s visit to Old Trafford represents an immediate opportunity to build on a result that had appeared beyond reach when United trailed at half-time.

On the team news front, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford have both been omitted from the latest England squad, a development that will inevitably form part of the discussion at Carrington. Mainoo drew scrutiny during the Roma match after being dispossessed in the build-up to the visitors’ opening goal, while Rashford has been the subject of wider attention following leaked audio from a private Q&A session he held with premium hospitality guests at Old Trafford before Tuesday’s game.

Carrick’s tactical decisions will also be under the microscope. United’s defensive shape during the Roma defeat raised questions, with Diogo Dalot caught high up the pitch when the first goal was conceded, leaving space in behind for Matias Soule to exploit.

With United’s league position under pressure, Sunday’s match against Aston Villa carries significant weight, and Carrick’s press conference is expected to shed light on how he plans to set his side up.