Manchester United defeated fellow top-four contenders Aston Villa 3-1 in convincing fashion on Sunday afternoon
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick
Manchester United beat Aston Villa 3-1 to continue their good run of form(Image: Getty)
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Manchester United dismantled Aston Villa 3-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. Michael Carrick has now secured seven victories from nine matches this season, with Champions League qualification appearing increasingly probable.
Carrick's side suffered a 2-1 defeat away at Newcastle United in their last fixture and benefited from an extended break between games due to their absence from FA Cup competition. They welcomed Unai Emery's team at the weekend and following a scoreless opening half, triumphed 3-1 courtesy of goals from Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
A visit to the resurgent Bournemouth awaits them next but away from the club, a former player made their much-anticipated comeback. Scott McTominay, who has flourished in Italy with Napoli following his departure from United in August 2024, returned from injury on Saturday evening.
The Scotland international was brought on at the interval against Lecce with Antonio Conte's outfit behind 1-0 and he made a considerable impression. The Manchester Evening News delivers the latest developments from Old Trafford.
Scott McTominay impresses on return
McTominay had been absent since February with tendon inflammation and missed approximately a month, with Napoli's medical team adopting a careful strategy. However, with his team trailing by a goal, Conte opted to reintroduce the 29-year-old at the interval and his gamble proved successful.
The midfielder instantly brought stability to the centre of the pitch and within moments of his introduction, Napoli drew level through United loanee Rasmus Hojlund.
Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli in action during the Serie A 2025/2026 football match between SSC Napoli and US Lecce. Napoli won 2-1 over Lecce
McTominay made his comeback in the win against Lecce(Image: Getty)
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Then, in the 68th minute, their fightback was completed by Matteo Politano. McTominay concluded the 2-1 triumph with a 90 per cent pass accuracy and served as a statement to United about the influential player they allowed to leave for a mere £26million.
Conte said after the match: "We were losing and I had to make changes. They're strong players but you have to give them time to get used to the pace and intensity again, and that's not easy. They need to have confidence, though, because the greater good is Napoli, and since I'm dealing with well-prepared and decent players, there are no problems.
"McTominay had been out for a month. I had to take on some responsibilities, and so did they. The common good, I repeat, is Napoli and we must secure qualification for the Champions League, which is too important. It is important for the top clubs, let alone for us."
Man Utd learn Real Madrid star's price
Whilst McTominay continues to excel at Napoli, another highly-rated midfielder in Europe could be seeking a move away. Reports indicate that Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga is a player the club are prepared to entertain offers for.
Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid CF warms up during the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Real Madrid and Elche CF at Bernabeu
Camavinga could soon depart Real Madrid(Image: Getty)
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According to Marca, Los Blancos have placed a £43m valuation on Camavinga. The French international has been at the Bernabeu since 2021 following his transfer from Rennes.
However, he has recently found playing time hard to come by and it's been hinted that he could soon be facing the axe. A number of Premier League clubs have reportedly expressed interest and United were initially associated with Camavinga before his move to Spain almost five years ago.