Noussair Mazraoui's return to training strengthens Manchester United's right-back options ahead of Aston Villa. With Lisandro Martínez sidelined and Leny Yoro set to start at centre-back, United look more defensively stable. Betting angle: punters may favour United to win or back a low-scoring result (Under 2.5) or United to keep a clean sheet given Villa's recent dip in form.
Injury boost for Manchester United as Mazraoui returns to training
Noussair Mazraoui has resumed training and appears likely to be available for Manchester United's crucial home clash with Aston Villa. The right-back was withdrawn late in United's defeat at Newcastle after making his first start since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, but his recovery offers manager Michael Carrick a welcomed option down the right flank.
Mazraoui's form and fitness
Mazraoui's start at St James' Park was his first since AFCON, where he featured regularly as Morocco reached the final. The ex-Bayern Munich full-back has forced his way back into contention at Old Trafford and could slot straight back into the right side of defence if selected.
Centre-back concerns: Martínez setback and Yoro to continue
Lisandro Martínez has suffered a training setback and remains unlikely to feature against Villa as the club take a cautious approach to his calf issue. That leaves Leny Yoro, who has partnered Harry Maguire in recent matches, expected to keep his place at centre-back amid a thin roster of fit options. Matthijs de Ligt is also sidelined, with youngster Ayden Heaven more likely to be named among the substitutes.
Tactical implications for Carrick
Carrick faces a selection puzzle: reinstate an improving Mazraoui on the right while maintaining stability at the heart of defence with Yoro and Maguire. The manager's defensive balance will be crucial against a Villa side whose form has dipped in recent months.
What this means for the Premier League table
Manchester United sit third in the Premier League, ahead of Unai Emery's Aston Villa on goal difference, making Sunday's meeting at Old Trafford a high-stakes fixture with European places on the line. Villa's earlier season promise has waned, with recent results leaving them threatened with slipping out of the top five.
Match outlook and betting considerations
With Mazraoui available and Martinez sidelined, United should have greater defensive solidity on the right.
Villa's drop in form and United's league position suggest the hosts are marginal favourites.
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Punters may consider backing Manchester United to win, a low-scoring market such as Under 2.5, or United to keep a clean sheet, while monitoring final team sheets for confirmations.
Mirror
