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Manchester United will look to build on their dramatic comeback victory over Roma when they host Aston Villa in a crucial Premier League encounter at Old Trafford on Sunday.
United head into the fixture with renewed confidence after ending their nine-game winless run with a remarkable 3-2 victory over Roma in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Michael Carrick’s side showed great character to overturn a two-goal deficit in the second half, raising hopes that the result could mark a turning point in their troubled campaign.
However, the Red Devils face another difficult test against a Villa side that have been impressive in the Premier League despite their rebuilding process under Unai Emery.
United have struggled for consistency in the league, with their recent defeat at Chelsea exposing their inability to maintain their performance over 90 minutes.
Carrick’s men were impressive in the first half at Stamford Bridge last weekend but suffered a second-half collapse that left them empty-handed.
They will therefore need to show greater discipline and concentration against Villa, who have won three of their last five league matches and remain unbeaten in that run.
The visitors, however, will arrive at Old Trafford looking to respond after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League in midweek.
Despite the setback, Emery’s side have shown enough quality in recent weeks to suggest they can trouble United, particularly with their attacking options and ability to exploit spaces on the counter.
Nicolas Jackson has also been impressive in leading Villa’s attack, giving the visitors another attacking threat to worry the United defence.
Carrick faces some selection challenges ahead of the encounter, with Manuel Ugarte, Benjamin Sesko and Luke Shaw remaining sidelined through injury.
Lisandro Martinez is also unavailable after being sent off against Chelsea, while Carlos Baleba picked up an injury during the Roma encounter.
Marcus Rashford and Patrick Dorgu are still working their way back to full fitness, further limiting Carrick’s options.
Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes are expected to provide United’s attacking threat, while Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans could feature in midfield.
Ayden Heaven is likely to partner Harry Maguire in central defence, while young forward Shea Lacey could provide an attacking option from the bench.