At A Glance
The second instalment of Aston Villa’s doubleheader against Manchester United takes place at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
After a 3-1 victory in the Premier League at Villa Park, the teams will battle it out for a place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Leon Bailey, Lucas Digne and Jacob Ramsey got the goals for Villa on Sunday afternoon, while Luke Shaw replied for the visitors.
This will be United’s first taste of this competition this term, with Villa having already seen off Bolton Wanderers 4-1.
The Red Devils were knocked out at this stage of the Carabao Cup last season, losing at home to West Ham United three days after playing them in the top flight.
League Cup Credentials
Both clubs have had their name engraved on the trophy five times.
United had only won the competition once when Villa secured their fifth triumph in 1996, drawing level when they beat Southampton at Wembley in 2017.
The last time the two sides met in the League Cup, the Red Devils beat Villa 2-1 in the 2010 final.
The overall head-to-head in this tournament is favourable for Villa, who have won four out of seven meetings.
Classic Clash
Aston Villa and Manchester United meet in the third round of the League Cup for the first time in 23 years on Thursday night.
You have to go back to 1999 for the last time the two sides did battle at this stage of the competition.
And on that occasion, Villa Park was the venue as the home side secured a memorable win.
Mark Bosnich was the centre of attention pre-game as he returned to Villa Park for the first time, just months after he opted to leave the club.
Julian Joachim brought the home crowd to their feet with a piece of magic after 18 minutes, turning two defenders and thumping a shot past Bosnich with the outside of his right foot.
The majority of a 33,000-strong crowd were celebrating again just after half-time when Mark Delaney’s long throw caused havoc in the box before Ian Taylor slammed the ball home.
Despite the flack he was taking from the Villa support, Bosnich made several fine saves to keep the score down, producing a stunning fingertip stop to deny Lee Hendrie.
A third goal arrived shortly before the final whistle to round off a satisfying night when Steve Stone’s sliding effort was deflected past a deflated Bosnich.
The Last Meeting
Just days ago, Unai Emery ended a 27-year wait for a home win against the Red Devils in the Premier League.
The head coach watched on as Leon Bailey drove home the opener with seven minutes played before Lucas Digne netted a delightful free-kick to double the lead shortly after.
Luke Shaw’s deflected strike just before half-time failed to deter the hosts, who wrapped up all three points when Jacob Ramsey slammed home a pass from the influential Ollie Watkins minutes after the restart.
Team News
Boubacar Kamara made his return from injury on Sunday, coming on for the final 12 minutes, while Ludwig Augustinsson also returned to the matchday squad.
Diego Carlos has been joined on the sidelines by fellow Brazilian Philippe Coutinho who has picked up a thigh injury.
Leander Dendoncker and Jan Bednarek are cup-tied having featured in this year’s competition for their previous sides.
Bruno Fernandes is available again after suspension, while Diogo Dalot can play despite earning a one-game ban in the Premier League.
Antony and Jadon Sancho could feature but Raphael Varane has been ruled out.
