The Red Devils head into the match on the back of their first loss at Newcastle United last week under Carrick as head coach following a run of 11 matches unbeaten in the league.
However, United remain in third position on the table and are looking forward to getting good results ahead of the upcoming FIFA international break later this month.
"It's an important game [Aston Villa]," said Carrick to club reporter Mikey Partington.
"It's one we're looking forward to, you know. We've manoeuvred ourselves into such a good position now and it's been a positive couple of months that we want to build on.
"We're coming off the back of losing a game, but it happens, we've seen pretty much everyone over recent weeks has lost. But the boys have been really good in training again and just looking forward to the next game."
United will be looking to avenge the 2-1 defeat to the Villans at Villa Park in December and tighten their grip on a UEFA Champions League spot for next season.
Kai Havertz will return to familiar surroundings on Wednesday when Arsenal face Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie, a match that carries renewed motivation for the German forward after an injury-plagued year.
Paul Scholes has clarified that his recent social media comment about Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick was not intended as criticism and said he contacted his former team-mate directly to explain the remark.
Diego Simeone has been clear about one thing before Atletico Madrid's Champions League last‑16 first leg against Tottenham Hotspur: he does not see his side as clear favourites.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has challenged his squad to seize a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity by beating Barcelona in their Champions League last‑16 first leg at St James' Park on Tuesday.
