Manchester United vs Aston Villa LIVE: Sesko drops out as Carrick makes two changes for Premier League clash | OneFootball

Benjamin Sesko drops out of the starting line-up in two Manchester United changes (Manchester United via Getty Imag)

Manchester United host Aston Villa in the Premier League this afternoon, with both sides looking to earn a potentially vital three points in the race for European football.

The Red Devils had their first taste of defeat under interim manager Michael Carrick last time out, a late 2-1 loss to Newcastle at a bouncing St James’ Park, but have won four straight home games under the former United midfielder’s stewardship and will hope that that was only a temporary blip.

Villa meanwhile have had a poor second half to this season in the top flight but ran out 1-0 winners over Lille in the Europa League on Thursday night and will be buoyed by their continued success in Europe as they head to Old Trafford.

The two sides are level on points, with United ahead in third only on goal difference, and it could be a tight, testing encounter in the race for European places.

Match stats

Michael Carrick has won all five of his Premier League home games as Manchester United manager (1 in 2021); only three managers have won each of their first six home matches in the competition: Sven-Göran Eriksson (first 9 in 2007), Carlo Ancelotti (first 7 in 2009), and Manuel Pellegrini (first 11 in 2013/14).

(Getty)

Chris Wilson15 March 2026 13:30

Match stats

Having lost three of their first six Premier League games this season (W2 D1), Manchester United have since lost just three of their last 23 (W13 D7), though they did slip to a 2-1 loss at Newcastle United last time out.

Villa have won just three of their last 11 Premier League games (D3 L5); since the first game in this run (1-4 defeat to Arsenal on Dec 30th), only four sides have accrued fewer points than Unai Emery’s side (12) in the competition.

Chris Wilson15 March 2026 13:20