Unai Emery admitted that Michael Carrick decision led to Man Utd beating him in 2021

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Michael Carrick and Unai Emery will go head-to-head in the Premier League but this is not their first meeting as opposition managers.

Manchester United face Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in a match which is pivotal for the Champions League qualification spots.

Interim head coach Michael Carrick will face off against Unai Emery on the touchline, but they first faced each other in 2021 during Carrick’s first caretaker stint.

United beat Villarreal 2-0 in the Champions League in what was Carrick’s managerial debut and Emery couldn’t help but praise his in-game decisions.

What is your ideal front three for Manchester United against Villa?

Figures for games since Michael Carrick took over

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Michael Carrick substitutions were key to beating Unai Emery

When the score was locked at 0-0 between Carrick’s United and Emery’s Villarreal, the Red Devils boss made attacking changes in the second half, bringing on Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes from the bench.

After the match, Emery praised Carrick’s substitutions, claiming they changed the game.

“We did not grant chances. The changes gave them a plus and in that phase we were no longer the same. They had accelerated with those changes and we lost control,” Emery said.

Emery is still a contender for the United job in the summer, so there will be even more attention on his duel against Carrick at Old Trafford.

Carrick is looking to bounce back from his first defeat as United boss following the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United last time out.

Michael Carrick’s substitutions are putting Ruben Amorim to shame!

Amorim's substitutions were his biggest flaw – Do you agree?

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Michael Carrick’s substitutions have been impressive but not perfect

Since the change of management at Old Trafford, Carrick’s substitutions have been more impactful than under Ruben Amorim.

In 20 games under Amorim in 2025/26, no substitute had come on and scored a goal. Amorim was criticised for being too defensive with his changes.

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That has changed under Carrick, who has celebrated several late goals from substitutes already, including a few from Benjamin Sesko.

However, Carrick made a mistake against Newcastle by bringing on Tyrell Malacia for the final period of the game instead of youngster Ayden Heaven.