Michael Carrick handed huge tactical advantage after double Aston Villa injury blow

Manchester United are set to host Aston Villa in the Premier League tomorrow.

The encounter promises to be a high-stakes battle, with both sides locked in an intense race to secure a top-four finish.

Both United and Villa head into the game with several key players sidelined through injury.

Villa manager Unai Emery will be particularly concerned about the balance of his midfield.

Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans are already ruled out for tomorrow’s crucial encounter.

Kamara has made 18 league appearances this season, starting 17 of those matches.

The 26-year-old has been a defensive pillar for Villa, using his exceptional ball-winning ability and reading of the game to break up opposition attacks.

The Midlands outfit have clearly felt his absence as he continues to recover from a knee injury.

Unsurprisingly, Villa have managed to win just two of their last eight league matches without him.

Tielemans is equally important for Emery’s success this season.

However, an ankle injury suffered at the start of February has further complicated the situation for Emery.

Captain John McGinn made his return from injury as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 win over Lille in midweek.

United head coach Michael Carrick must exploit this major weakness in Villa’s midfield.

Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have been in stellar form. Kobbie Mainoo has shown flashes of his talent under Carrick.

Villa are expected to rely on Douglas Luiz and Amadou Onana as their midfield partnership.

Onana can dominate matches with his physical presence on his day, although his performances have occasionally lacked consistency.

Luiz enjoyed a strong spell at Villa previously, but difficult stints with Juventus and Nottingham Forest appear to have dented his confidence.

Casemiro could play a decisive role tomorrow with his trademark vertical passes that transition defence into attack.

Villa lack pace in central areas, meaning quick transitions could create valuable opportunities for United to strike.

Ian Maatsen is an adventurous attacking full-back, but his forward runs can occasionally leave him exposed defensively.

With Pau Torres expected to start at left centre-back, United should look to exploit his limited mobility.

If Carrick successfully targets these midfield weaknesses, United could gain a crucial six-point advantage over a direct top-four rival.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .