Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has praised Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro forward of the 2 groups’ assembly.
Villa will host United within the Premier League on Sunday, February 11. The fixture might have a large bearing on the top-four race because the guests at present sit sixth, eight factors behind the hosts, who’re fourth with 46 factors from 23 matches.
Forward of the match, Emery defined that Erik ten Hag’s facet are slowly discovering their groove and named a few of their key gamers. He stated at his pre-match press convention (as quoted by the Mirror):
“We should impose our personal in opposition to among the finest groups within the Premier League. They’ve spent some huge cash making an attempt to extend their stage with their signings.
“The coach is getting stability with their construction. Casemiro is necessary to them. Rasmus Hojlund is getting targets and taking part in with extra confidence. Alejandro Garnacho is in a great second and Bruno Fernandes is a really aggressive participant.
“I’m excited and motivated for every little thing we’ll face – that’s why I’m reaching out and making an attempt to attach with our supporters – as a result of we’ll want them.”
Emery additionally emphasised the significance of the match, acknowledging that Manchester United are contenders to complete above their present place on the desk:
“Every match is particular and there are key moments in them. The match earlier than this mattered and the matches we play afterwards shall be necessary.
“However we have to use this to play for six factors. We’re in entrance of them. They had been, and are contenders greater than we’re to get into the highest 5. Even when we lose, we shall be in entrance of them – however they’re feeling stronger now, assured and good.
“It’s going to be tough – for Manchester United additionally – as a result of they should get factors in opposition to us. They wish to be nearer to us. After all, there are 38 matches however that is particular, a key match.”
Aston Villa will enter this contest on the again of a disappointing 3-1 dwelling loss to Chelsea of their FA Cup fourth-round replay. Manchester United, in the meantime, beat West Ham United 3-0 at Previous Trafford within the Premier League of their final fixture.
Manchester United clawed again from 2 targets right down to win the reverse fixture in opposition to Aston Villa
This would be the second assembly between the 2 groups within the league this season after their conflict at Previous Trafford on December 26.
On that event, Aston Villa raced to a 2-0 lead courtesy of targets from John McGinn (21′) and Leander Dendoncker (26′). Nonetheless, two of the gamers Unai Emery named in his pre-match press convention got here to Manchester United‘s rescue.
Alejandro Garnacho bought a purpose again for the hosts within the 59th minute earlier than leveling issues up 12 minutes later. Rasmus Hojlund then scored the winner within the 82nd minute to finish the comeback.
Bruno Fernandes additionally starred for United, recording 4 key passes, two profitable dribbles and a shot on track. He additionally gained eight duels and two fouls, whereas making three tackles, three interceptions and two clearances as properly.
Casemiro notably missed that contest on account of harm, however has been in good type since returning in late January.
