Michael Carrick is in contention for a permanent job at Manchester United. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United defeated Aston Villa 3-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. Michael Carrick has picked up seven wins from nine games this season and looks set to qualify for the Champions League. Carrick’s side lost 2-1 away to Newcastle in the previous round, and benefited from a long break between games due to their absence from the FA Cup.
They welcomed Unai Emery’s side over the weekend and after a goalless start they won 3-1 with goals from Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesco. Next up is an away game against powerful Bournemouth, but a former player has made a long-awaited return to action beyond the boundaries of the club.
Scott McTominay, who played for Napoli in Italy since leaving United in August 2024, returned from injury on Saturday night.
The Scotland international was introduced at half-time in Antonio Conte’s side’s 1-0 defeat to Lecce and made quite an impression. Express Sport brings you all the latest from Old Trafford.
Scott McTominay shines on comeback
McTominay had been sidelined for about a month since February due to tendon inflammation, during which time Napoli’s medical team adopted a cautious strategy. However, with his team one goal behind, Conte opted to bring the 29-year-old back at the interval and his decision proved to be correct.
The midfielder immediately brought stability to the center of the pitch and United loanee Rasmus Højlund helped Napoli equalize within minutes of his introduction.
Their comeback was completed by Matteo Politano in the 68th minute. McTominay completed a 90 per cent pass in the 2-1 win and reminded United of the influential player they let go for just £26 million.
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Napoli’s Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne. (Image: Getty)
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“We were losing, so we had to make changes. They are strong players, but we have to give them time to get used to the pace and intensity again. It’s not easy,” Conte said after the match.
“But they need to have confidence, because the greater good is Napoli. And I’m playing against decent players who are well prepared, so there’s no problem.
“McTominay was out for a month. I had to take on some responsibilities and so did they. I repeat: the common interest is Napoli and we have to qualify for the Champions League. It is too important, not only for us but also for the top clubs.”
Find out the price of Manchester United and Real Madrid stars
As McTominay continues to excel at Napoli, another highly rated midfielder in Europe could be looking for a way out. Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga is a player the club is open to making a bid for, according to reports.
Marca report that Los Blancos have set their asking price for Camavinga at £43 million. The Frenchman has been at the Bernabéu since 2021 after moving from Rennes.
However, his opportunities to play have been limited recently, and there is speculation that he may be one of the players whose future is uncertain. Several Premier League teams are reportedly interested, with United initially showing an interest in Camavinga before he moved to Spain almost five years ago.
He could be the perfect successor to the influential Casemiro, who has already announced his departure from United at the end of this season.
