Manchester United and Aston Villa meet in a crucial Premier League battle at Old Trafford

Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon needing points to move clear of the Premier League relegation zone, while Unai Emery’s side look to respond after going three matches without a win in all competitions.

United go into the game with renewed belief after a dramatic 3-2 victory over AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday. The result ended a nine-match winless run, which had included six defeats, and gave manager Michael Carrick some welcome breathing space.

The hosts had fallen 2-0 behind before captain Bruno Fernandes pulled one back from the penalty spot. Matheus Cunha then capitalised on a Leonardo Balerdi error to equalise before scoring the winner three minutes later. It was Carrick’s first victory since Manchester United beat Sabah 4-0 at the start of September.

However, their league position remains precarious. United are 17th after nine matches with seven points, ahead of Crystal Palace only on goal difference. They are just two points above bottom side Sunderland.

A first Premier League win since August would provide significant relief before the international break. Defeat, by contrast, could see the club sink to 20th and deepen the crisis surrounding the team.

Aston Villa are 10th with 12 points, only three behind fifth-placed Liverpool. Victory at Old Trafford would represent a major boost to their position before the break.

Villa had put together a seven-match unbeaten run, including an impressive 2-1 victory over Manchester City, before their recent downturn. They have since lost 3-0 to Bournemouth in the League Cup and Barcelona in the Champions League, while drawing 1-1 with Fulham in the Premier League.

The mood around Emery’s team remains considerably calmer than at United. The 55-year-old is reportedly close to signing a contract extension with Aston Villa, despite having been linked with replacing Carrick at Manchester United.

United have several selection concerns. Luke Shaw remains injured and Patrick Dorgu is doubtful despite a partial return to training. Diogo Dalot could therefore play at left-back, 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 problem and Manuel Ugarte is absent with a cruciate ligament injury. Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans are expected to start in midfield. Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko are also unavailable, meaning Matheus Cunha should lead the attack alongside Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo.

Villa will be without suspended defender Matty Cash, while Matteo Ruggeri is sidelined with a thigh injury. Aaron Wan-Bissaka remains a doubt for his return to Old Trafford; if he is not fit, Lamare Bogarde and Ian Maatsen are expected to operate at full-back. Amadou Onana remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a serious cruciate ligament injury.

Despite United’s European comeback, their performance was aided by Roma’s defensive mistakes and their wider problems remain. Aston Villa’s greater collective structure could give Emery’s side the edge, with a 3-1 away win predicted.