Michael Carrick press conference LIVE Man United injury updates vs Aston Villa

Owen's Carrick theory

Michael Owen has revealed he is shocked that Carrick might not be given the United head coach role permanently.

Speaking on the latest edition of BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show, he said: "I can't believe people are questioning whether he should get the job. Manchester United have waited about 12 years - they've gone for proven, legends, everything since Sir Alex [Ferguson].

"And the one time they are starting to play well, get results, the fans are on board - you're telling me at the end of the season if he gets third [place] they will say 'thanks, but no thanks'. How is that possible?"

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Elliot Anderson transfer theory

Speaking on In the Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet, Joleon Lescott explained why he believes Elliot Anderson could go for around £100million. When asked on who he thinks will go down alongside Burnley and Wolves, he said: "I think Forest. I think West Ham get out of it."

The discussion then turned to Forest star Anderson, with Lescott adding: "He's a £100million player, isn't he? Especially after he plays at the World Cup. You're not going to sell him before, are you? You're going to sell him after the World Cup. [If Forest go down] they have to sell. But then there are more teams interested."

Why United ignored Amorim request

Had Amorim got his way, Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins could have been lining up for United against their former club this weekend. As it is, they will be part of the Aston Villa side trying to cling on to a spot in next season's Champions League.

Amorim wanted experience and players who were ready to deliver here and now when he gave his input into United's transfer plans for the summer. In Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, he got two Premier League-proven players ready to hit the ground running at Old Trafford.

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OPINION: United rethink after £99m blow?

United committed almost £100million to sign Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez. The coveted centre-backs should be at their peak and forming a formidable defensive partnership together at Old Trafford.

But injuries and fitness issues mean getting them out together on the same pitch is proving almost impossible. In their absence at the moment, it is an old-stager in Harry Maguire and a young buck in Leny Yoro who are leading the United defence for Michael Carrick.

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What Carrick told United youngster to do as he aims for debut

Carrick has told teenage left-back Diego Leon that he needs to improve tactically and offer more of an attacking threat as the youngster bids to force his way into the first-team at Old Trafford.

"He told me to stay calm, to try to improve tactically and to attack more often, but when I attack I also have to come back with the same intensity," Leon told Versus Sports.

Read the rest of his quotes here >>>

Is fifth place enough to qualify for the Champions League?

Hopefully it won't be needed, but if it is, we've rounded up everything you need to know about the Champions League permutations and whether fifth place in the Premier League will be enough for United to secure Champions League qualification.

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United's problem position

Alejandro Garnacho scored last week, Marcus Rashford was back in England in midweek and Jadon Sancho will be the ghost of Old Trafford on Sunday. Three left-wingers, aged 21, 25 and 28, who all threatened to be the solution to United's issues down that flank.

Instead, they are all becoming distant memories at United

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Maguire on Lindelof

Harry Maguire has claimed former teammate Lindelof didn't get the credit he deserved during his time at Old Trafford, describing the Sweden international as "an excellent player".

Lindelof spent eight years at United before leaving last summer. He made more than 250 appearances for United during his time at the club, winning an FA Cup and a League Cup.

Read what he said here >>>

3 things spotted in training

United's first-team squad trained at Carrington this week ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Villa.

Ahead of the game, the Reds were put through their paces in the gym and on the training pitch at Carrington. Noussair Mazraoui was a notable inclusion after picking up an injury in the defeat at St James' Park.

We spotted 3 things in the latest training session. Read them here >>>

JJ Gabriel trains with first team

The aforementioned players might not have been in training this week, but one player who was is JJ Gabriel.

The 15-year-old has been a revelation for the Under-18s this season but is ineligible to play in the Premier League or for the Under-21s in Premier League 2 until next season, as he was only 14 when the season began.

That means we won't get to see him in first-team action anytime soon, but there's clearly a lot of excitement around the youngster.

What else could be on the agenda

As well as his thoughts on Scholes' comment, Carrick will also be asked to give a team news update ahead of Sunday's clash.

Lisandro Martinez, Patrick Dorgu, Matthijs de Ligt and Mason Mount are all expected to be absent for the game. It was hoped Mount would be fit in time to face Villa but he was not spotted in training imagery released by the club on Thursday, suggesting he will not make the matchday squad.

Carrick to be asked about Scholes comments?

Given the large gap between games, United boss Carrick still hasn't been asked about the comment made by former teammate Paul Scholes on social media after the defeat to Newcastle.

Scholes has downplayed the comment and claimed he has already spoken to Carrick to assure him he meant no malice with his post. Carrick could give his thoughts today.

Villa boost

Emery has confirmed John McGinn could return to the matchday squad for the trip to United.

McGinn picked up a knee injury during the 1-0 defeat to Everton in January. The midfielder had featured in every Villa Premier League fixture this season before picking up the knock.

Ahead of their clash with Lille in the Europa League round of 16 first leg on Thursday, Emery confirmed McGinn was back in full training and he came on as a sub last night.

A look at the table

United are locked on 51 points with Aston Villa. Chelsea are three points behind in fifth while Liverpool are in sixth but they have the same number of points as Liam Rosenior's side.

Every game will be crucial in the fight for Champions League football but you can't underestimate how big an occasion it will be when the teams fighting it out for a place in the top four (or five!) face each other.

Carrick vs Emery

Carragher's comments have reignited the debate around whether Emery would be a good option for United this summer as they search for a permanent head coach.

This weekend will be a huge test of Carrick's credentials.

Emery 'attracted by United job'

Jamie Carragher has insisted that Villa boss Unai Emery should be the frontrunner for the United job ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash between the two sides.

United welcome Villa to Old Trafford looking to further cement their spot in top four places. Carrick has managed to lift the club into the Champions League spots after a fine start to life as interim head coach.

Familiar faces

Victor Lindelof could be back at Old Trafford this weekend as his Villa side face United.

One man who won't be in the matchday squad is Jadon Sancho. The United loanee is not eligible to face his parent club and so will play no part in Sunday's game.

Your United questions answered

Another week without a game for United, but that doesn't mean the Old Trafford news machine grinds to a halt. Carrick is preparing his side for the visit of Aston Villa on Sunday and behind the scenes there is plenty going on. The defeat at Newcastle was the first major blot on Carrick's record and it's put the search for a permanent head coach back at the front of the agenda, even if Carrick rightly remains the favourite to stay on.

The head coach did suggest last week that United need a left-winger and that will be one area of focus in a busy transfer window this summer. Central midfielders will also be a priority. Transfers, United's loanees and who will be in the dugout next season all crop up in today's Q&A. We run weekly question and answer sessions, so click here to submit your questions, and we'll answer them next week.

Read our full Q&A session here>>>

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