Manchester United face Aston Villa in a crucial Champions League race clash as Michael Carrick’s side look to bounce back after a weekend off
Following a weekend break, Manchester United are preparing for a comeback to Premier League action against one of their competitors for Champions League qualification.
United welcome Aston Villa on Sunday with both teams tied on 51 points in third and fourth positions respectively. Each side will be seeking to recover from setbacks in their previous league encounters, United at Newcastle and Villa at home to Chelsea.
The reality that United are contending for a Champions League place stands as evidence of the efforts by interim manager Michael Carrick, who has reinvigorated the squad. And Daily Star Sport presents a summary of the latest developments from Old Trafford….
Ruben Amorim request rejected
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The squad Carrick took over might have appeared considerably different had Amorim achieved his objectives in the transfer market. The Portuguese manager had sought established signings capable of making an immediate impact, reports the Mirror.
Players such as Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo joined as seasoned Premier League operators, though the same couldn’t be claimed for two additional acquisitions, goalkeeper Senne Lammens and striker Benjamin Sesko.
Amorim had desired experienced Villa duo Emiliano Martinez, 33, and Ollie Watkins, 30. However, with INEOS’ director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, prioritising young talents who could deliver a decade of service, Amorim didn’t secure all the targets he desired.
£138m squandered
Whilst last summer’s transfer activity is appearing increasingly astute, earlier choices continue to haunt the club. Consider Jadon Sancho. It’s been 18 months since the £73m acquisition last featured for United.
Currently on loan at Villa, he is prevented from facing his parent club on Sunday. Sancho will eventually be released when his expensive contract runs out in the summer.
Although United will have recouped some funds through loan fees from Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Villa, who will have also covered portions of his wages, the Daily Mail calculates Sancho has cost United a total of £138m, including the transfer fee.
Fresh injury setback
United are expected to be without Lisandro Martinez against Villa after the defender sustained a fresh problem in training.
The centre-back had rekindled his partnership with Harry Maguire in the opening five matches of Carrick’s tenure, settling back into the team after 10 months out with a cruciate ligament injury.
He sustained a calf problem in training last month, leading to his absence from the victories over Everton and Crystal Palace, as well as the defeat at Newcastle. Now, he has experienced a ‘slight reaction’ upon returning to training, which will sideline him for the Villa match.