Manchester United trained at Carrington this week ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash vs Aston Villa.
Michael Carrick watches on as Manchester United return to training at Carrington
Michael Carrick watches on as Manchester United train at Carrington(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
View 4 Images
Manchester United's first-team squad trained at Carrington this week ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa. The Reds last played on March 6, losing 2-1 at Newcastle thanks to a late William Osula strike. Despite the defeat, United remained third, three points above Chelsea in fifth.
Villa are fourth, behind United only on goal difference, and a win for either side this weekend will boost their Champions League aspirations. 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.
Here are three things spotted in the latest training session:
Mount missing
Mason Mount was not pictured as the United players trained at Carrington on Wednesday. The midfielder has been out with a knock since the beginning of February. Before the Newcastle game, Michael Carrick said Mount was edging closer to a return but his absence suggests he will miss the Villa game.
Lisandro Martinez was spotted arriving at Carrington but was not on the training pitch. The defender is taking longer than expected to recover from a calf injury.
Long-term absentees Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu were also spotted arriving at Carrington but were not seen on the training pitch.
Manchester United star Patrick Dorgu returns to Carrington on Wednesday
Manchester United star Patrick Dorgu at Carrington on Wednesday
View 4 Images
Evans' new role?
Former defender Jonny Evans left United in December after a short stint as head of loans and pathways. He returned the following month to help Darren Fletcher during his caretaker spell and has stayed on as part of Carrick's backroom team.
Evans donned a bib in the latest training session and looked to be taking part in a small-sided game. United continue to suffer with injuries at centre-back and maybe the Northern Irishman fancies his chances?
Jonny Evans takes part in training at Carrington
Jonny Evans takes part in training at Carrington
View 4 Images
Malacia drill
Tyrell Malacia made his first Premier League appearance since Boxing Day at Newcastle. However, it was a cameo to forget as he was easily beaten by Osula for the winning goal.
Malacia looked to be potentially practicing a one-vs-one situation with Amad at Carrington, and extra training in such situations would be advisable given his role in Newcastle's second goal on Tyneside. Luke Shaw and Mazraoui's involvement should mean the Dutchman is not called upon against Villa.
Amad takes on Tyrell Malacia in a one-v-one scenario as Michael Carrick watches on
Amad takes on Tyrell Malacia in a one-vs-one situation as Michael Carrick watches on
View 4 Images