Premier League6 hours ago2 minute read

Carrick Faces Huge Aston Villa Test as Pressure Mounts at Man United

Michael Carrick needs a result against Aston Villa with Manchester United facing big decisions before the international break.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Carrick under pressure despite Roma victory

Michael Carrick played down talk of a turning point after Manchester United beat Roma in the Champions League. That dramatic comeback ended a run of nine games without a win. Still, a major shift is coming soon. The team will either find form or the club will make a change in the dugout.

A United source said there has to be a break in the cycle. What is happening at Old Trafford cannot carry on indefinitely.

Villa clash could decide manager future

The upcoming visit of Aston Villa on Sunday is major for the club. A victory could build momentum. A defeat would wipe out the boost from the Roma win. Depending on other results, a loss could leave United bottom of the table by Sunday night.

A two week international break follows before United travel to Liverpool on Nov 22. That gives the hierarchy time to make a decision. Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, CEO Omar Berrada, and director of football Jason Wilcox backed Carrick after a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Oct 25. Fans supported Carrick while directing anger at players, which influenced the board to back the manager.

Financial struggles and stadium debate

Carrick won 12 of 17 games between January and May. His record since is 3 wins and 14 losses. Club bosses have been wrestling with the causes for this poor form. United feel prepared if they must let Carrick go, though their preference is to keep him.

Transfers have also caused tension. United stretched their summer budget from £120 million to £155 million to sign Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba. Still, squad weaknesses were left unaddressed due to a lack of cash. In September, United reported an overall loss of £43 million. Meanwhile, spending £63.5 million on land for a proposed 100,000 seat stadium has angered fans who wanted that money spent on players instead.

What it means for the next game

United need to show the energy and intensity from the second half against Roma when they host Villa on Sunday.

Manchester United vs Aston Villa (Premier League, Sun, 08 Nov): Manchester United win 44%, draw 25%, Aston Villa win 31%; expected goals 1.66 to 1.36. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.