Manchester United Predicted XI VS Aston Villa: Shea Lacey set to start?
Every game from now on represents Michael Carrick’s most important match as Manchester United head coach. Following the jubilation of United’s 3-2 comeback victory against Roma on Tuesday, supporters will be hoping it was the first step in the right direction as the club looks to put the poor start to the season behind it and climb the table.
As things stand, Manchester United languish in 17th place. If Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest or Sunderland win their weekend fixtures while United lose theirs, the Red Devils will drop into the relegation zone.
The last time United found themselves in the relegation zone this late in a season was during Sir Alex Ferguson’s debut campaign, when the club failed to win either of the legendary Scotsman’s first two matches in charge.
If Carrick and co are to lose, the cold hands of the grim reaper may begin to tighten around the Englishman’s neck, potentially signalling the end of his reign at the club.
GK - Senne Lammens
It has not been the best of starts for Senne Lammens this season, but the Belgian keeper has still pulled through with some important saves to keep United in the match. His save against Donyell Malen on Tuesday, whilst Roma were 2-0 up, stopped a disaster from turning into a catastrophe.
RB - Leny Yoro
As we progress through the season, the form of Leny Yoro is slowly starting to pick up, with the young Frenchman starting to define the right-back position for Manchester United.
Of course, the 20-year-old does not look entirely comfortable on the right flank, but he is slowly adjusting to life in a different position. He was by far the best defender in United’s 3-2 win against Roma.
CB - Matthijs de Ligt
Nearly a year ago, Matthijs de Ligt started his last Premier League game in a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace. By that point in the season, the Dutchman had played every second of league football, and the tide seemed to be slowly turning under Amroim.
11 months later, there has been a manager change, culture shocks, and United are in a worse position than they were under the Portuguese coach. De Ligt is still the best natural defender at the club; the question is if he can stay fit.
CB - Harry Maguire
While he has by no means been as good as he was last season, Maguire is still Carrick’s
number one player he calls on, and it would be a shock to see him dropped from the side.
Despite hobbling off against Roma, the Englishman is set to be fit for the weekend.
LB - Diogo Dalot
Patrick Dorgu may be "slowly getting back" after missing seven successive games through injury, but it is unlikely that the Dane will be match fit for Sunday, and is likely to be introduced as a substitute rather than starting.
Instead, the Diogo Dalot experiment continues. I reside myself in the camp that Dalot is a genuinely useful player who wears his heart on his sleeve. Despite that, he has simply not been good enough this season, with the Portuguese full-back responsible for both Roma’s midweek goals.
For now, he will have to start.
CM - Youri Tielemans
With Carlos Baleba out injured for a “number of weeks,” the role of midfield enforcer will likely fall to Youri Tielemans, who has partnered with Kobbie Mainoo slightly better than Andrey Santos has.
The Belgian will be welcoming his former side to Old Trafford, hoping he can pick up all three points.
CM - Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo’s song “United can’t play without you” has proven true in recent weeks. In all matches since the start of the 2025/26 season, in the 40 matches he has played, United have won 22, and drawn and lost nine apiece.
In the 14 games without him, they have recorded just one victory, whilst losing on seven occasions.
RW - Shea Lacey
The most polarising selection on the list, Shea Lacey has proven why he deserves his start over Amad Diallo, with the young winger coming off the bench against Roma, becoming the catalyst that led to United’s win.
There have been multiple rumours floating around after his electric cameo, and it seems the young Scouser is destined to make his first Premier League start.
AM - Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes and Carrick have seemingly gone head-to-head in recent weeks following the captain's comments after the Como fixture, but there is no doubt that he remains one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Simply put, when Fernandes plays well, United play well. When he has a poor game, the team struggle to find their rhythm. He remains the heartbeat of the side.
LW - Mathues Cunha
United may be without Cunha for their next European fixture following his red card, but the Brazilian will almost certainly start against Villa after his brace against Roma.
The forward exuded passion after his second strike flew past Devis Vasquez, ripping off his shirt before jumping into the Stretford End to embrace the supporters.
ST - Bryan Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo was unlucky not to score against Roma, with his second-half effort bouncing off both posts. With no recognised striker at the club currently fit to play, Mbeumo is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
A goal against Villa could do wonders for his confidence, with the Cameroonian not looking quite as assured in front of goal in recent weeks.
