Manchester United ended a nine-game winless run on Tuesday with a 3-2 comeback victory over Roma in the Champions League, coming from 2-0 down to secure a dramatic win. The result has eased some of the pressure on manager Michael Carrick, but the upcoming international break could still prove a testing period for the 45-year-old.
United have not won in the Premier League since the end of August, and Carrick will be eager to secure a victory against Aston Villa on Sunday to demonstrate that Tuesday's success was not a one-off.
Shea Lacey's limited opportunities questioned
One of the key questions raised this week concerns why Shea Lacey has not been given more starts. The 19-year-old scored against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, but since then he has only been handed four minutes at Como, when United were 4-0 down, and 12 minutes against Bournemouth, when they were 3-0 down.
It appears an odd decision to introduce him in matches that were already effectively over, rather than giving him the chance to influence a game. That finally happened on Tuesday, and Lacey showed what he can do. With Amad struggling for form, there is an argument that Lacey should start against Aston Villa on Sunday, although the evidence so far suggests that is unlikely.
Defensive concerns and Rashford's injury
Questions have also been raised about Carrick's continued selection of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven in defence. Yoro has improved this season after a shaky start, performing well at right-back and when given the chance at centre-back. Heaven, however, has found it more difficult, particularly in a defence that is in a near-constant state of flux. He was left exposed by the tactical set-up against Roma, when he was given too much ground to cover.
Marcus Rashford will miss the game against Villa as he continues to be troubled by a hip injury, but there is a chance he returns after the international break. He is not expected to be used as a striker, with Carrick preferring Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha through the middle.
January transfer plans and style of play
United are unlikely to sign a central defender in January, given they currently have five fit options in that position. Change is expected in the summer, but not before then. The club will consider short-term moves in the market, particularly for a left-back and a striker.
On the team's lack of a clear style of play, it is acknowledged that there is no obvious identity at the moment. Carrick and the coaching staff had time to build game plans for individual matches last season, but that is harder now they are playing twice a week. It is also felt that Carrick has been trying to find a formula that works during this dismal run, which has not helped him build an identity for his side.
