Man United predicted XI vs. Aston Villa as Carrick makes big Amad decision

Manchester United will be looking to get back to winning ways when they host Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday. Interim head coach Michael Carrick got his first taste of defeat last week as United were beaten 2-1 at Newcastle, despite the Magpies playing the entire second half a man down courtesy of Jacob Ramsey’s red card. The meeting with Villa is a big one in the fight to finish within the guaranteed Champions League places. Heading into the contest, United are third in the Premier League table, level on points with Villa in fourth and only just ahead of them on goal difference. Although they haven’t won in the Premier League since defeating Brighton on 11 February, Villa will travel with renewed confidence after edging Lille 1-0 in the Europa League on Thursday. Carrick confirmed that Mason Mount is back in training. Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu remain sidelined with injuries. Here is our predicted XI: Defence Senne Lammens gives himself the nod in goal and will have a point to prove against Emi Martinez, the very keeper United nearly signed over him in the summer. Diogo Dalot dropped to the bench against Newcastle but should be restored to the right-back position. Noussair Mazraoui was decent against Newcastle but Dalot’s propensity to go forward was missed. Mazraoui was in training this week after an injury scare. Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire will once again partner at centre-back, with Luke Shaw returning to his familiar left-back role. Ayden Heaven will provide cover from the bench. Midfield Carrick has barely tweaked his set-up in the middle of the park, and he will almost certainly name the same trio he has shown a clear preference for. Casemiro starts at the base of United’s midfield, with Kobbie Mainoo alongside him in the double pivot. Manuel Ugarte is available but has found playing time difficult to secure under Carrick. Bruno Fernandes will be deployed in the number 10 role. Attack United’s attack lacked spark at St James’ Park, so Carrick may be tempted to ring the changes in an effort to shake things up. Bryan Mbeumo retains his place in the XI, but Matheus Cunha makes way as Amad is restored to the starting lineup following his recent demotion. The in-form Benjamin Sesko will lead the line. In addition to Cunha, Carrick will also have Mount and Joshua Zirkzee as attacking substitutions if required. Final thoughts Dalot returns to the side in place of Noussair Mazraoui Midfield remains unchanged Cunha gives way to Amad Predicted Starting XI: Lammens, Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw, Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, Sesko. United vs. Villa kicks off at 14:00 GMT. Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!