To ensure Manchester United get back to winning ways against Aston Villa, Michael Carrick is focused on keeping spirits high following a recent defeat to Newcastle United.
Manchester United lost 2-1 against Newcastle last time out, even though Eddie Howe’s side were reduced to 10 men.
It was the first defeat experienced since Michael Carrick returned to the club, so the team are bound to be eager to get another win on the board to strengthen their hold on third place in the Premier League table.
Carrick’s record currently looks like six wins, one draw and one defeat since becoming head coach in January as Ruben Amorim’s successor. Each win strengthens his case to remain in the role beyond this season.
After a first defeat, how are you feeling about Michael Carrick for the Man Utd job permanently?
Newcastle United v Manchester United - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Michael Carrick watching Manchester United take on Newcastle from the touchline
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Michael Carrick previews Aston Villa clash
The Newcastle defeat was a setback that ended United’s unbeaten run in the Premier League, which dated back to Boxing Day, when Ruben Amorim’s side got the better of the Magpies thanks to a goal from Patrick Dorgu.
United’s quest to secure Champions League football will require another run of wins, with nine matches left to play in the Premier League.
If United can record a victory over Villa, they will be taking three points from an opponent. It would be a major boost in Carrick’s bid to finish in the top four because Unai Emery’s side are fourth and still in contention for a Champions League spot.
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Villa are currently level with United on 51 points.
The match against Villa, however, will come at the end of an 11-day build-up because there was no Premier League football last weekend due to the latest round of FA Cup fixtures.
Speaking to ManUtd.com ahead of the game, Carrick revealed how the dressing room is feeling in training off the back of their first league defeat in 2026.
“It’s an important game,” Carrick said.
“It’s one we’re looking forward to, you know. We’ve manoeuvred ourselves into such a good position now and it’s been a positive couple of months that we want to build on.
“We’re coming off the back of losing a game, but it happens, we’ve seen pretty much everyone over recent weeks has lost. So that’s what this league brings and we’re putting things in perspective and understanding what we can do a little bit better.
“But the boys have been really good in training again and just looking forward to the next game.”
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Bryan Mbeumo looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
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Michael Carrick provides insight into Man Utd dressing room mood
It is the first time Carrick will have to pick his players up after a defeat, but he will be keen to remind them of the brilliant run they were on before losing at St. James’ Park.
Aston Villa haven’t been in great form of late, which bodes well for United ahead of the game at Old Trafford.
When asked about how the United first team were reacting to the defeat, Carrick added: “I think there’s an understanding of what we can do a little bit better in certain areas and we can improve, which is really good, but it’s coming off the back of good performances and a really good group of results as well.
“It’s just putting things in the balance really and understanding where we’re at and taking the confidence that we’ve built up and the spirit and putting that into the next group of games, which is two before the international break and this Aston Villa one’s a really important one.”
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