First days in new jobs don't come much harder than Carrick's! It's Villareal away in the Champions League!

Former England midfielder Michael Carrick has a tough task in his first match as Manchester United caretaker boss as the Red Devils face Villareal in the Champions League. The team that pipped United to the Europa League title last season will try to exploit the state of confusion that's surrounding the Manchester club at the minute and inflict another painful blow.

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Carrick was Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer's right-hand man in the past couple of years. And having also played for the club between 2006 and 2018, he knows everything that's going on behind the scenes at Old Trafford. He is close to the players and got the see first-hand how the previous manager's tenure turned sour.

So, does Carrick have what it takes to pick up the pieces at Estadio de la Ceramica tonight? He certainly seems determined. English media have already made a comparison between the way Solskjaer was conducting his press conferences and the way Carrick has handled himself in his first. While the Norwegian was often seen laughing and joking, smiling to the journalists and even making fun of himself, Carrick is looking much more serious and focused.

Keeping a straight face while talking to the press is enough of a sign for what is to come on the pitch, of course – but the fans can at least hope that a firmer approach with the players will improve their fortunes while they wait for a long-term solution for the managerial post.

"We are very much looking forward to the game tomorrow. The boys will be ready for it. I know the club very well, been here an awfully long time now. It's the sacrifice and dedication you need whether that is one game, two, or a stretch longer. A big game for us in terms of group stages and I will go about my job exactly as I know."

Captain Harry Maguire, who was sent off in United's abysmal defeat at Watford – the game that proved last for Solskjaer – called his teammates for unity.

"The players need to take responsibility for everything on and off the pitch. We were in this together. We are all so disappointed. We need to get this club back to where it was."

Unai Emery's Villareal are currently level with United on seven points, while Atalanta are ready to pounce if either side slips up. Without Cristiano Ronaldo's five group goals so far, United would have been on just two points, so the Spanish team has to prepare a special recipe to keep the indestructible Portuguese quiet.. The former Arsenal boss sees this match as an ideal test for his Yellow Submarine.

"Defending well is crucial as is being united and winning individual duels. We also need to show personality in our performance and be clinical. We’re expecting a very good version of Manchester United because of the characteristics of their players and the moment they're in coming into the game. They’re the perfect conditions to see what we’re capable of."

In another match of the Champions League Group F, Swiss team Young Boys will take on Serie A boys Atalanta in Berne.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Group stage

Group F

Tuesday

20.45: (2.85) Villareal (3.35) Man.Utd. (2.65)

23.00: (4.90) Young Boys (4.00) Atalanta (1.75)

***odds are subject to change