Match preview: United v Aston Villa

The Reds had won six out of seven matches since Carrick’s appointment in early January, before losing 2-1 at Newcastle United last time out.

That result in the north-east ended our 11-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, but the team remains third in the table and determined to finish the season strongly.

United’s attention has now turned to Sunday’s Old Trafford blockbuster against fourth-placed Aston Villa and Michael states everybody is excited for the occasion.

“It's an important game,” Carrick told club reporter Mikey Partington. “It’s one we're looking forward to, you know. We've manoeuvred ourselves into such a good position now and it's been a positive couple of months that we…