Unai Emery identifies Man Utd's 4 key players and plays mind-games with Ten Hag
Unai Emery says Aston Villa are playing a ‘six-pointer’ with Manchester United on Sunday.
The Villa boss has faced down his Old Trafford counterpart Erik ten Hag – who billed the game as a ‘cup final', with United eight points adrift of their opponents. The Spaniard called upon the Villa Park crowd to do the same as he ramped up the importance of the fixture in the chase for the Champions League spots.
Emery believes Manchester United are ‘stronger, confident and good,’ and asked Villa's fans to act as one. He said: “Each match is special and there are key moments in them. The match before this mattered and the matches we play afterwards will be important.
“But we need to use this to play for six points. We are in front of them. They were, and are contenders more than we are to get into the top five. Even if we lose, we will be in front of them – but they are feeling stronger now, confident and good.
“So, we need a good performance, individually and collectively. We need our fans. They need to support us with energy. It’s going to be difficult – for Manchester United also – because they need to get points against us. They want to be closer to us. Of course, there are 38 matches but this is special, a key match.”
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Villa were irresistible during the first half of the campaign at home – but back-to-back defeats at Villa Park to Newcastle United in the league and Chelsea in the FA Cup have set them back. However, a five-goal hammering of Sheffield United at Bramall Lane last week proves that all the wheels have not fallen off.
Unai Emery spoke up Manchester United's threats (Getty Images)Emery said ahead of the defeat by Mauricio Pochettino ’s side that this week was ‘absolutely crucial’ to Villa’s chances of reaching the top four. Emery added: “It’s a new challenge, for us and for our supporters. We’ll have to use all our positive energy. We need to believe in our way. Sometimes, we haven’t had good performances – but overall we have been doing that. I’m optimistic for the outcome.”
Emery is likely to make a couple of changes. Pau Torres is fit again and may be drafted into his rearguard while Youri Tielemans will be under pressure for his place from Jacob Ramsey. Villa’s boss added: “We have to prepare for every detail, stopping their key players, their game plan.
“We must impose our own against one of the best teams in the Premier League. They have spent a lot of money trying to increase their level with their signings. The coach is getting balance with their structure.
“Casemiro is important to them. Rasmus Hojlund is getting goals and playing with more confidence. Alejandro Garnacho is in a good moment and Bruno Fernandes is a very competitive player. I’m excited and motivated for everything we will face – that’s why I’m reaching out and trying to connect with our supporters – because we will need them.”
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