Ben Foster explains why Manchester United fans should be wary of Aston Villa fixture

Michael Carrick’s unbeaten start as interim Manchester United boss has revived hopes of a late-season surge into the Premier League’s top four, but former Red Devils goalkeeper Ben Foster is urging supporters to keep their optimism in check ahead of a pivotal March meeting with Aston Villa.

Carrick, who stepped into the breach after Erik ten Hag’s January exit, has overseen five matches without defeat, including four consecutive victories before West Ham halted the streak with a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium. Tomas Soucek’s second-half opener looked set to condemn United to a first loss under the 44-year-old, only for Benjamin Sesko’s late intervention to preserve the run.

Speaking on Amazon Prime Video Sport, Foster acknowledged the uptick in results yet stressed that sterner examinations lie in wait. “There is no better test at the minute than going away to play Arsenal because you know what you’re going to get,” he noted, referencing the Emirates clash that fell just after Carrick began working with the squad.

The immediate focus, however, shifts to Villa Park, where Unai Emery’s high-flying side lie fifth, one point behind fourth-placed Manchester City and five ahead of United. Foster, discussing the fixture on his Fozcast podcast, did not mince words about the scale of the challenge. “Villa scares you,” he said. “Villa are a problem either way. It’ll be a tough game either way.”

United currently sit sixth, a single point clear of Chelsea and eight adrift of City in second. With Champions League qualification still mathematically attainable, the encounter against Aston Villa looms as a season-defining showdown for Carrick’s rejuvenated squad.