Mason Mount back training as Man Utd prepare for Aston Villa encounter

The midfielder has not played for the Reds since his brief appearance in Michael Carrick's first game in charge, the 2-0 derby win over Manchester City in January. Mount had a late goal ruled out against City and was an unused substitute in the 3-2 victory at Arsenal. He then picked up an injury in training the following week.

"Mason's back with the group, which is fantastic," Carrick said. "He's an important player for us, and to have him back and involved is a good step. He's not 100 per cent because he's only trained a very small amount of time, but he's back and that's good for us.

"We'll see if he's involved on Sunday, but it's a big step for him."

Noussair Mazraoui also trained this week despite a knock sustained in the 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United nine days ago.

United will be without Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, and Lisandro Martinez as they aim to strengthen their position in the Champions League qualification places.

For Villa, John McGinn returned from a two-month injury lay-off in Thursday's 1-0 Europa League win over Lille. The Scotland international had missed 10 Premier League games, with Villa picking up just two victories in his absence. His late appearance boosts Unai Emery's midfield options as Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans remain sidelined.

Harvey Elliott also featured against Lille after a spell out, but Matty Cash missed out with a calf injury, with Lamare Bogarde filling in at right-back. Jadon Sancho, due to loan terms, is unavailable against United, but Victor Lindelof, a former Red, could feature for the visitors.

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