Paul Merson thinks Bruno Fernandes 'clicking well' with two Man Utd teammates is critical for Aston Villa match

Paul Merson has insisted that Bruno Fernandes will be one of three key players for Michael Carrick going into Manchester United’s encounter with Aston Villa on Sunday.

Bruno Fernandes has seen his influence in the Manchester United attacking set-up significantly improve under the interim head coach reign of Michael Carrick.

The 31-year-old Man Utd captain has netted twice and registered six assists in Carrick’s tactical set-up across the last eight Premier League matches.

Fernandes has been playing as the No 10 under United legend Carrick since January after previously playing in the midfield pivot under manager Ruben Amorim.

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Paul Merson talks up the importance of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo for Man Utd ahead of the Aston Villa match

Bruno Fernandes is not alone in benefiting from Michael Carrick’s influence, with Kobbie Mainoo climbing back into the Manchester United starting XI.

Kobbie Mainoo has been Carrick’s preferred midfield pick for the two-man Man Utd pivot and Casemiro has been partnered alongside the 20-year-old Stockport-born talent.

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Paul Merson has insisted that the midfield partnership of Mainoo and Casemiro and the resurgence of Fernandes have all been “clicking well” for the Red Devils so far.

“Aston Villa got blown away by Chelsea last weekend,” he said in his column for Sportskeeda.

“That was a worrying result for them. Now this is a big football match coming up against Manchester United.

“I know Manchester United lost to 10-man Newcastle in their last game. But Villa miss Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara in their midfield.

“With Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes clicking well for United, I’m backing the hosts to get a good result at Old Trafford.”

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Paul Merson’s scoreline prediction for the Premier League clash between Man Utd and Aston Villa at Old Trafford

Man Utd are third in the Premier League table and the Red Devils are level on points with fourth-place Aston Villa ahead of Sunday’s 2pm kick-off at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils tasted their first defeat under Carrick last Wednesday, with 10-man Newcastle beating Man Utd 2-1 in the Premier League clash at St James’ Park.

Speaking on Man Utd vs Aston Villa, Merson continued: “Now if my prediction becomes true, that would point some fingers at Aston Villa. Can they qualify for the Champions League next season?”

The Sky Sports pundit later added: “I’m backing United to win, but Villa won’t be blown away like last weekend.”

Merson has predicted United to bounce back to winning ways with a 2-1 scoreline over Villa in their Premier League encounter at the weekend.

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