Manchester United vs Aston Villa preview: Team news, line-ups, where to watch on TV
Preview, form guide, head-to-head record, team news and full broadcast details for Manchester United vs Aston Villa in the Premier League clash at Old Trafford
Manchester United and Aston Villa are set to lock horns at Old Trafford on Sunday, March 15, in a high-stakes Premier League “six-pointer” that could define the race for Champions League qualification.
Both clubs enter the weekend level on 51 points after 29 matches, with United currently holding third place on goal difference (+11) and Villa close behind in fourth (+5).
The match is of critical importance, as Chelsea and Liverpool sit just three points behind, ready to pounce on any dropped points.
The fixture marks the end of an 11-day break for the Red Devils, who are looking to rebound from a 2-1 defeat at 10-man Newcastle that ended an 11-match unbeaten run in the league.
Meanwhile, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa faces a gruelling turnaround, traveling to Manchester just three days after their Europa League Round of 16 first-leg clash against Lille in France.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa form
Manchester United prepare to host Aston Villa in a key Premier League clash at Old Trafford
Manchester United have enjoyed a significant resurgence since Michael Carrick was appointed head coach in January.
Prior to their recent defeat at St James’ Park, United had won six and drawn one in their previous seven matches. Carrick has stabilised a defence that was leaky earlier in the season, though they must now prove they can maintain that momentum following their first loss under his leadership.
Aston Villa arrive in Manchester at a difficult time. After a brilliant start to the season, the Villans have won just one of their last six Premier League matches, though morale will have been boosted by their 0-1 win at Lille in the Europa League on Thursday.
Their recent domestic form includes consecutive Premier League losses to Wolves (2-1) and Chelsea (1-4), as well as an FA Cup exit at the hands of Newcastle (1-3).
Manchester United vs Aston Villa H2H
Recent history suggests a fiercely competitive rivalry where the home-field advantage has been a decisive factor. In the reverse fixture at Villa Park in December 2025, Aston Villa secured a 2-1 victory thanks to a Morgan Rogers double.
However, Manchester United has been historically dominant in this specific matchup at Old Trafford, having won 10 of their last 12 games against the Midlands side.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa team news
For Michael Carrick’s side, there is a significant defensive setback as Lisandro Martínez has suffered a reaction in training and is expected to miss out.
He joins Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu on the injury list. A late fitness test will be required for Noussair Mazraoui, while Mason Mount is nearing a return but remains a doubt.
For Unai Emery’s side, the injury list is extensive. Midfielders Youri Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara, and Andrés García are all ruled out. Captain John McGinn is available again after recovering from a knee issue, while Harvey Elliott and Matty Cash are doubts. Furthermore, Jadon Sancho is ineligible to feature against his parent club due to loan restrictions.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa predicted line-ups
Manchester United predicted line‑up (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
Aston Villa predicted line‑up (4-2-3-1): Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Onana, Luiz; Bailey, Buendía, Rogers; Watkins
Manchester United vs Aston Villa score prediction
Manchester United will believe they have what it takes to defeat any side at home following four straight victories at Old Trafford under Carrick.
Aston Villa have not been at their best of late, and will need the likes of Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins to be on top of their game to have any joy.
Score prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Aston Villa
Where to watch Manchester United vs Aston Villa
Manchester United host Aston Villa at Old Trafford in the Premier League
For viewers in the United States, the Manchester United vs Aston Villa Premier League match is scheduled for Sunday with coverage available through USA Network and the NBC Sports app, with streaming on Peacock. Kick-off is set for 10:00 ET / 07:00 PT (14:00 GMT).
In the United Kingdom, the game will be broadcast live via Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports UHD. Coverage begins at 13:00 GMT ahead of the 14:00 GMT kick-off. Online streaming is available for subscribers via Sky Go, while MUTV will offer extensive pre-match build-up starting at 12:30 GMT.
