Victory over Aston Villa in the battle between third and fourth at Old Trafford opened up some daylight between United and the clubs competing with them for Champions League qualification. If they do it, can Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his cohorts really deny Michael Carrick the job on a permanent basis? Carrick’s run of seven wins from nine games has thrust them firmly into the Champions League mix ever since. Their Champions League dream died in this fixture on the final day of last season, and a sixth straight defeat at Old Trafford was another damaging setback. After that game, Amorim clutched a microphone in the centre-circle at Old Trafford and promised fans that ‘after this disaster season, the good days are coming’.

Source: Daily Mail March 15, 2026 18:02 UTC