Forget Cunha, Carrick says Man Utd star whose “aura” sparked Roma comeback is crucial vs Villa

Manchester United snapped their nine-game winless streak against Roma in the midweek, and Michael Carrick has one player’s “aura” to thank for it.

The name of the game is consistency now, with the challenge for Man Utd to build on that win against AS Roma by doing it again vs Aston Villa.

With the international break looming after this game, there is a very real chance that United go into that break in the relegation zone.

Michael Carrick has identified that while Matheus Cunha scored a brace, his teammate’s “aura” sparked the turnaround against Roma.

Michael Carrick hails Youri Tielemans

United were struck a critical blow against Roma when Carlos Baleba came off with an injury in the second half, as he was having a good game.

Carrick subbed on Youri Tielemans, who had an even better game from that point onwards to spark the turnaround for Man Utd.

Tielemans has come under scrutiny this season for his laborious performances in a deeper role, or some non-threatening final-third displays.

However, the calmness and control he brings were much needed against Roma, and Carrick gave Tielemans his flowers ahead of the Villa game.

He said: “He’s seen it before, done it before, kind of had that aura about him when he came on the pitch, and everyone kind of went with that. That’s why he’s here, because he can cope with those sorts of moments and knows what it feels like and calms everybody down. I thought he was really good.

“Obviously, a game against his old club [Aston Villa], he’d be looking forward to that as well, but I was really pleased with him the other night.”

Cunha grabbed the headlines with his brace, while Shea Lacey’s impact off the bench was electric, but United had started growing into the game long before that, with Tielemans’ arrival.

With Baleba out for a while, Carrick will have to go back to Tielemans, and the hope is that he can transfer his European form to the Premier League.

Next up is his old club, Aston Villa, who have gone from strength to strength despite losing him in the summer. If he can make them regret his departure this time, it would be ideal for United.