Manchester United’s players sent a performance on behalf of Michael Carrick.
Due to the gaping gaps in Manchester United’s fixture schedule at present, there was a lot of time for coaching staff, players and fans to stew on the previous defeat to Newcastle.
Michael Carrick’s first loss as United head coach presented a fresh challenge – how would his players respond?
Carrick had to prove that his initial success was more than simply a ‘new manager bounce’.
Paul Scholes’ criticism of United’s performances heading into the Newcastle defeat added an extra layer to the scrutiny on the team.
United fans on TalkingPoints had a very specific demand for the team ahead of the Aston Villa game, asking the players to ‘bounce back psychologically’ from the first loss under Carrick’s leadership.
Manchester United celebrate win vs Villa
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Manchester United beat Aston Villa 3-1
Manchester United beat Aston Villa 3-1 in a clash between two teams locked on points, battling it out for command of third place in the Premier League table.
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United were the better team throughout the game, attempting 16 shots at goal to Villa’s nine. United had six attempts on target. Villa managed only two.
The victory was a fairly straightforward one in the end, and it has given United a three-point advantage in third place.
Any fears of a slide in form can quickly be erased.
Michael Carrick’s initial winning streak was great, but fans were savvy enough to understand there would be setbacks along the way. The real challenge would come with how United responded to the setbacks.
The 3-1 victory provided an emphatic response.
Now, can Carrick’s United secure another win when the Red Devils travel to Bournemouth on Friday night?
An away win would be another big step forward, and it can set the mood heading into an unwelcome 24-day fixture break.
Who was YOUR Man of the Match against Villa?
A huge win for United, but who was the best player on the pitch?
Ratcliffe calm on situation
Michael Carrick is making a good impression in the race to become Manchester United permanent head coach.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe gave little away when quizzed by Sky Sports at the Chinese Grand Prix: “He’s doing an excellent job, yeah, yeah, absolutely.”
“No, I’m not going there,” he added when taken to task over a permanent appointment, indicating he would not discuss it publicly at this point.
Carrick is putting a strong record together, with seven wins, one draw and one defeat from nine games.
This victory at home to Aston Villa was a big step in the right direction.
What a great weekend – How confident are you Man Utd will secure Champions League football?
United win vs Villa as Liverpool and Chelsea BOTH drop points
CL race standings
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