Manchester United will welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, November 8, 2026 as they look to move away from the danger of Premier League relegation.

The hosts go into the encounter with renewed confidence after their dramatic Champions League comeback against Roma, while Villa will be looking to end a three-match winless sequence.

United under pressure despite European comeback

Manchester United’s difficult start to the season has left manager Michael Carrick under increasing pressure, following a disappointing campaign after finishing third in the Premier League last season.

The mood around Old Trafford improved slightly on Tuesday when United overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Roma 3-2 in the Champions League.

Bruno Fernandes reduced the deficit from the penalty spot after his first attempt had been saved and ordered to be retaken. Matheus Cunha then levelled after capitalising on a costly Leonardo Balerdi mistake before scoring again three minutes later to complete the comeback.

The victory was Carrick’s first since United thrashed Sabah 4-0 in September. Before the Roma game, the club had gone nine matches without winning in all competitions, suffering six defeats during that period.

United’s league position remains a major concern. After nine matches, they are 17th with seven points, sitting above Crystal Palace only on goal difference. They are also just two points clear of bottom side Sunderland.

The weekend could therefore prove crucial for Carrick. Palace, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland, who currently occupy the relegation places, all face difficult fixtures against Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea respectively.

A first Premier League victory since August would provide United with a much-needed lift before the international break and could strengthen Carrick’s position.

Another loss, however, would leave the club in an even more precarious situation and increase speculation about a possible managerial change.

Villa looking to regain momentum

Aston Villa have also endured a difficult spell, although their situation is considerably healthier than United’s.

Unai Emery’s side are currently 10th in the Premier League with 12 points. They are three points behind fifth-placed Liverpool, while the congested table means they remain within touching distance of several teams above them.

Villa had previously enjoyed an impressive seven-match unbeaten run between late September and late October. That sequence included six victories, among them a notable 2-1 triumph over Manchester City.

Their momentum has since disappeared.

Villa were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth in the EFL Cup before drawing 1-1 with Fulham in the Premier League. They then suffered their first Champions League setback of the campaign, losing 3-0 to Barcelona at Camp Nou on Tuesday.

Despite the recent results, Emery’s position remains considerably stronger than Carrick’s. The Villa boss is reportedly close to agreeing a new contract.

Speaking on Friday, Emery said: “I had a good meeting with [chairman] Nassef Sawiris, very positive, so let’s talk next week, trying to get everything we spoke about together in a deal.”

The Spaniard has also been linked with Manchester United as a possible replacement for Carrick, although his expected new agreement with Villa could put an end to such speculation.

Team news

Manchester United could be forced into another defensive reshuffle because Luke Shaw remains injured, while Patrick Dorgu is still doubtful despite returning to partial training following a hamstring problem.

Diogo Dalot could therefore operate at left-back, with Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven expected to occupy central defence. Lisandro Martinez is suspended after being sent off against Chelsea.

Carlos Baleba is unavailable because of a hamstring injury, while Manuel Ugarte continues his recovery from the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered at the World Cup.

Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans are consequently expected to form the central midfield partnership.

Marcus Rashford is carrying a hip problem, while Benjamin Sesko is expected to spend longer on the sidelines because of a persistent shin injury.

Cunha should lead the attack, with Amad Diallo, Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo likely to provide support.

Villa will be without right-back Matty Cash, who is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards. Matteo Ruggeri is also unavailable because of a hamstring injury.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka remains a late fitness concern, although Emery has indicated that the former Manchester United defender is nearing a return.

If Wan-Bissaka fails to recover in time, Lamare Bogarde and Ian Maatsen could occupy the full-back positions.

Amadou Onana is progressing well after his ACL injury but remains several months away from returning to competitive action.

Possible Manchester United XI

Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Dalot; Tielemans, Mainoo; Diallo, Fernandes, Mbeumo; Cunha.

Possible Aston Villa XI

Suzuki; Bogarde, Torres, Lindelof, Maatsen; Goretzka, Kamara; Alysson, McGinn, Manzambi; Jackson.

Prediction

Manchester United’s comeback against Roma could provide them with confidence, but their recent Premier League record remains deeply worrying.

Villa have not won in their last three matches, but they possess enough quality to exploit United’s defensive problems, particularly with the hosts missing several key players.

United’s home advantage could make the contest competitive, but Villa appear better placed to take advantage of their opponents’ current struggles.