Manchester United vs Aston Villa LIVE: Battle for top five heats up at Old Trafford | OneFootball

Carrick has led United to six wins out of eight since replacing Ruben Amorim in January (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Wire)

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.

Jim Ratcliffe refuses to speak on Michael Carrick’s chances of permanent Man Utd role

Jim Ratcliffe has refused to speak on Michael Carrick’s chances of being appointed permanently as Manchester United manager despite recognising the “excellent job” he is doing in the interim role.

Carrick was supposed to be a short-term solution following the sacking of Ruben Amorim in January, but the former midfielder has led United up the table, with the club now looking one of the more likely contenders to earn Champions League qualification.

The 44-year-old tasted defeat for the first time since taking the reins last week as his side suffered a late loss at Newcastle - but after a run of seven unbeaten games, Carrick is nevertheless acing his audition to become United’s next long-term manager.

Chris Wilson15 March 2026 12:30

Michael Carrick responds to Paul Scholes after social media criticism from former teammate

Michael Carrick has shrugged off Paul Scholes’ social-media criticism of him by saying it was “nothing” and saying he was not worried about the barbs from his former Manchester United teammate.

Scholes, Carrick’s sidekick in midfield for eight years when they were players, was critical in an Instagram post after United’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle.

“Michael has definitely got something special about him… cos Utd have been crap last four games,” he wrote.

Michael Carrick responds to Paul Scholes after social media criticism

The interim manager of Manchester United has faced criticism on social media from his old teammate

Chris Wilson15 March 2026 12:10