Unai Emery has offered a positive assessment of Manchester United ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash, but the Aston Villa boss also pointed out some of the issues that have been affecting Ruben Amorim’s side.
This Premier League season has seen plenty of inconsistency across the board, and the Red Devils have been no exception.
Manchester United did not get off to the best start, losing their opening match to Arsenal and then suffering a shock Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Grimsby Town.
That has left Amorim under pressure to steady the ship, especially after last season ended with a 15th-place finish in the league and a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.
United head into Sunday’s match looking to extend their unbeaten run to five games. Meanwhile, Emery’s men are aiming for what would be an impressive 10th consecutive win in all competitions.
Unai Emery comments on Manchester United before their Premier League clash
United have shown some progress compared to last season, but whether that is enough to push them into a Champions League spot by the end of the campaign is still unclear.
Despite being sixth in the Premier League after 16 games, Amorim’s team is only two points behind Chelsea, who currently hold fourth place.
Their home form, though, has been an issue. Just four wins from eight league games at Old Trafford, with defeats to Arsenal and Everton and draws against West Ham and Bournemouth, have left them playing catch-up.
Those dropped points at home could come back to haunt them later in the season.
Looking ahead to their trip to Villa Park, Emery gave his thoughts on United’s strengths and challenges this season.
The Villa manager pointed out that United have actually been better away from home this year and expects his side will need a strong performance on Sunday.
“[It will be] very difficult [for us this weekend],” he said, according to The Mirror.
“Of course, it’s United. And United, not only for [their] history as well, how they are trying to build a team, and they are, this year, of course, trying to get [a] top position.
“They are performing very, very well away [from home], very well. And winning matches and performing and playing fantastic.
“At home, they are having some more problems than away, but I respect them a lot because their history, how they are performing, with the coach, new coach, last year and this year I think they are getting better.
“With the players they have, they have very, very good players and offensively they are performing fantastic.
“And we are ready, but we are respecting them and we are being humble.
“Be humble, especially in this moment, we must be humble, to try to understand why we are performing like we are,” Emery concluded.
Unai Emery highlights Man Utd’s record ahead of Villa clash
While Emery noted United’s issues at home, it will not affect this weekend’s meeting since the game will be played at Villa Park.
Speaking before the match, the Spaniard pointed out how rare it is for Aston Villa to beat Manchester United, even at home.
“I think in 30, 31 years, only three times in 30 years or 31 years, only three times at home, Aston Villa beat Manchester United. And I think this is really crazy number for Aston Villa, against Manchester United,” Emery claimed.
The last time it happened was in November 2022. It was also Emery’s first game in charge of the club and ended in a 3-1 victory.
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