Manchester United head into Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa under pressure, with Michael Carrick’s future still uncertain despite a dramatic midweek victory over Roma.
United came from two goals down to win 3–2 at Old Trafford, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice late in the game. The result ended a nine-match winless run, the club’s longest since the 1988/89 season, and offered Carrick some much-needed breathing room.
Defender Diogo Dalot hopes the comeback can restore confidence. He said victories like that can shift momentum and help change the course of a season.
The challenge remains steep. United could be bottom of the Premier League by kick-off on Sunday, depending on other results. The international break will also give the club’s leadership time to assess its plans. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has reportedly been considered as a possible replacement, though he is said to be close to agreeing a new contract with the Midlands club.
Manchester City, meanwhile, visit Nottingham Forest aiming to avoid a third successive league defeat and stay within reach of leaders Arsenal. City are also awaiting the outcome of their case over more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules. A significant points deduction is among the possible punishments.
Arsenal remain the leading challengers to City and have continued to collect points even when not at their best. Their home meeting with struggling Hull looks favourable, especially given their record of 18 wins in their last 19 league matches against promoted teams.
City’s trip may prove less straightforward than it appears. Nottingham Forest rank third in Opta’s expected-points table, which measures performances using expected goals, despite sitting 16 places lower in the actual standings.
Tottenham’s fortunes have improved under Roberto De Zerbi, with three consecutive league wins lifting them from the bottom of the table to mid-table. They are now four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
Defender Archie Gray said the players’ strong bond has helped drive the team’s progress, pointing to the way substitutes join in celebrations as a sign of the squad’s unity.
Leeds, managed by Daniel Farke, arrive at the weekend on a five-match winless run. They have scored only twice in that period and have slipped to 12th.
Premier League fixtures
Friday
Everton v Coventry, 2000 GMT
Saturday
Leeds v Tottenham, 1230 GMT
Arsenal v Hull
Fulham v Newcastle
Nottingham Forest v Manchester City, 1730 GMT
Sunday
Brighton v Brentford
Crystal Palace v Liverpool
Ipswich v Bournemouth
Sunderland v Chelsea
All four matches kick off at 1400 GMT
Manchester United v Aston Villa, 1630 GMT
