Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher makes Man Utd vs Aston Villa prediction | Football

Jamie Carragher believes Manchester United will be brought crashing back down to earth this weekend when they face Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Michael Carrick’s side produced an incredible fightback in the Champions League during the week, coming from 2-0 down against Roma to clinch a memorable 3-2 win.

United’s first-half performance was described as ‘pathetic’, with Matias Soule putting Roma ahead on 11 minutes and Donyell Malen doubling the Italians’ advantage five minutes later.

Manchester United were booed off at half-time and Carrick looked just 45 minutes away from getting the sack, but his players mounted a brilliant comeback to seal their first win in nine games.

Bruno Fernandes got his team back in the contest with a retaken penalty before Matheus Cunha scored two late goals to stun Serie A giants Roma.

While the comeback may have bought Carrick more time, Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa is expected to play a significant part in deciding his long-term future, with the subsequent international break providing a handy window for Old Trafford bosses to make a change.

United prepare to face Villa sitting just 17th in the Premier League, two points above bottom-placed Sunderland, and having won only one of their opening nine games.

Aston Villa, in contrast, are unbeaten in five league games following a slow start to the campaign, with their recent upturn in form taking them into the top-half of the table.

Unai Emery’s side have lost two of their last three games, however, suffering a Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Bournemouth before losing to Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

But Carragher expects Aston Villa to return to winning ways at Old Trafford, and inflict a potentially fatal blow on under-fire Manchester United boss Carrick, predicting a 2-1 away victory.

Looking at some of this weekend’s other Premier League fixtures, Carragher told Sky Sports: ‘This weekend’s line-up is looking cracking.

‘Arsenal should get over the line comfortably against Hull, after taking the top spot last week. Same goes for Manchester City, they should get back to winning ways against Nottingham Forest.

‘Elsewhere I’m confident Liverpool will pick up all three points against Crystal Palace.’

The Red Devils beat Aston Villa 3-1 in this fixture back in March after losing 2-1 at Villa Park earlier in the campaign.

Ironically, Emery has been heavily linked with Manchester United amid growing pressure on ex-England midfielder Carrick.

But reports say the Spaniard is set to sign a new contract to extend his spell at Villa Park after last season’s Europa League triumph.

While Emery will not be taking over at Old Trafford any time soon, Manchester United have shown interest in Eddie Howe, Fabian Hurzeler, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte.

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