Manchester United manager Michael Carrick faces a crucial test against Aston Villa this weekend, with his future at Old Trafford reportedly hanging in the balance despite the team’s dramatic midweek victory over Roma.

United’s 3-2 comeback win in the Champions League provided temporary relief for Carrick, but pressure remains on the coach as the club approaches the international break.

The victory ended United’s nine-game winless run, their longest since the 1988/89 season, after Matheus Cunha scored twice late in the match to secure the comeback at Old Trafford.

The result came after United trailed Roma 2-0 at half-time, raising fresh concerns about the team’s performance before they staged an unlikely recovery.

Defender Diogo Dalot expressed hope that the victory would mark a turning point in the club’s season.

“Nights like this can change momentum, can change seasons, and I think this win is going to give us confidence for the next games,” he said.

However, United could find themselves at the bottom of the Premier League table by the time they face Villa on Sunday if other results go against them.

The international break is also expected to give the club’s hierarchy time to assess Carrick’s position and consider their long-term managerial options.

Villa manager Unai Emery had previously been linked with the Old Trafford job, although reports suggest he is close to agreeing a new contract with the Birmingham club.

Meanwhile, Manchester City will be looking to avoid a third consecutive Premier League defeat when they travel to Nottingham Forest, as they seek to maintain pressure on leaders Arsenal.

City are also awaiting the outcome of their case involving more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations, with a significant points deduction among the possible sanctions.

Arsenal remain their closest challengers for the title and will host struggling Hull City this weekend.

Mikel Arteta’s side have won 18 of their last 19 Premier League matches against promoted teams, making them favourites to secure another victory.

However, Manchester City’s trip to Forest could prove more difficult than expected. Opta’s expected-points table, based on expected goals for and against, places Oliver Glasner’s team third in the league, 16 positions above their actual standing.

Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur appear to have recovered from their poor start to the season, winning three consecutive Premier League matches under manager Roberto De Zerbi.

The club, which was previously bottom of the table without a league victory, has moved into mid-table and is now just four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

Defender Archie Gray attributed the improvement to the unity and positive atmosphere within the squad, saying the players’ relationship off the pitch was reflected in their performances.

Meanwhile, Leeds United, managed by Daniel Farke, are struggling for form, having gone five Premier League matches without a win and scored only twice during that period. The run has seen them slip to 12th in the table.