Manchester United face Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon knowing defeat could leave them bottom of the Premier League before the international break.

The Red Devils are 17th after nine league matches, with seven points, and are ahead of Crystal Palace only on goal difference. They are two points clear of bottom side Sunderland and are still searching for their first league victory since August.

Michael Carrick eased some of the pressure on Tuesday as Manchester United recovered from two goals down to beat AS Roma 3-2 in the Champions League. Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot before Matheus Cunha capitalised on a Leonardo Balerdi error to level and then scored the winner three minutes later.

That victory ended a run of nine games without a win in all competitions, including six defeats. Carrick’s previous victory had come in a 4-0 win over Sabah in early September.

Manchester United finished third last season, but their 2026-27 campaign has developed into a crisis. A win against Aston Villa would provide welcome relief at Old Trafford, while another defeat could see them drop to 20th.

Aston Villa arrive in 10th place with 12 points, three behind fifth-placed Liverpool. Unai Emery’s side have gone three matches without a win, losing 3-0 to Bournemouth in the League Cup and 3-0 to FC Barcelona in the Champions League, either side of a 1-1 Premier League draw with Fulham.

That sequence followed an impressive seven-match unbeaten run, which included a notable 2-1 victory over Manchester City. Emery, 55, is also close to agreeing a contract extension with Aston Villa, despite having been linked with the Manchester United job as a possible replacement for Carrick.

Villa would strengthen their position before the break with a win at Old Trafford, while Manchester United need points to avoid being drawn further into the relegation battle.

Team news

Manchester United are without a recognised left-back. Luke Shaw remains injured and Patrick Dorgu is doubtful despite returning to partial training. Diogo Dalot could therefore move to the left, with Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven in central defence. Lisandro Martinez is suspended after his red card against Chelsea.

Carlos Baleba is out with a thigh injury and Manuel Ugarte has a cruciate ligament problem. Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans are expected to start in midfield. Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko are unavailable with hip and tibia injuries respectively, leaving Matheus Cunha to lead the attack alongside Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo.

Aston Villa will be without Matty Cash through suspension after accumulating yellow cards, while Matteo Ruggeri is sidelined with a thigh injury. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is doubtful for his return to Old Trafford; if he is unavailable, Lamare Bogarde and Ian Maatsen are expected to operate at full-back. Amadou Onana remains out for several months as he continues his recovery from a serious cruciate ligament injury.

Despite Manchester United’s Champions League comeback, their underlying problems remain. Aston Villa are expected to win 3-1, with the exact-score selection priced at 17.00 with Betclic. Other listed predictions are a Manchester United win at 2.00, both teams to score at 1.40 and more than 2.5 goals at 1.45.