Man Utd team news: Carrick says 'important' player ready to return against Villa

Michael Carrick has given an update on team news for the clash with Aston Villa with one "important" player returning.

The United boss gave a press conference ahead of the Premier League game where he said that the team had been training hard and he was "excited" ahead of the game against a direct rival for a Champions League place.

Carrick said that Mason Mount has resumed group training and is in contention to face Villa.

The midfielder hasn't been involved for the Reds since his late cameo in Carrick's first game, the 2-0 derby win over Manchester City in January.

Mount had a late goal disallowed against Pep Guardiola's side and was then an unused substitute for the 3-2 victory at Arsenal.

Mason picked up an injury during training the following week, but Carrick has revealed that he is back with the squad at Carrington and approaching first-team football again.

“Mason’s back with the group, which is fantastic,” Carrick said.

“He’s an important player for us, Mason, and to have him back and involved is a good step for us, definitely.

“He’s not, you know, 100 per cent in terms of [being] back because he’s only trained a very small amount of time, but he’s back and that’s good for us.

“So, we’ll see if he’s involved or not on Sunday, but yeah, it’s a big step for him, but we’re happy with that. Yeah, that’s it in terms of players coming back for now.”

Noussair Mazraoui trained this week despite coming off with a knock during our 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United, nine days ago.

But the news has not been so good for the other players in the treatment room.

Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Lisandro Martinez are set to miss the meeting with Unai Emery's side, as United consolidate their position in the UEFA Champions League qualification places.