Overview
- Tuesday's 3-2 comeback win over AS Roma ended United's long winless run but was described by Carrick as a single positive moment rather than a turning point.
- Michael Carrick remains in charge but reports say the INEOS-era hierarchy are divided and will use the Villa result and the international break to reassess his job.
- Carlos Baleba has been ruled out for a number of weeks with a hamstring injury that Carrick confirmed will keep him sidelined through the international break.
- Selection problems persist with Lisandro Martínez suspended, long-term absences for Benjamin Sesko and Manuel Ugarte, Marcus Rashford doubtful, and Youri Tielemans likely to replace Baleba in midfield.
- A heavy home defeat to Aston Villa would, according to multiple media reports, increase calls for an immediate change while a positive league result would give Carrick breathing space ahead of any shortlist for successors.