Unai Emery singles out two Erik ten Hag signings as Man Utd's unsung heroes
Unai Emery has detailed Aston Villa to keep a close eye on two of Manchester United ’s unsung heroes.
Villa’s boss has studied the Red Devils’ last two games and believes Erik ten Hag’s side is armed and dangerous. While he believes several of the Dutchman’s side are enjoying ‘good moments,’ he picked out a couple who he thinks have made a difference - Casemiro and keeper Andre Onana.
And he asked one of his own to do a job on the Spanish midfielder. He said: “I need to understand their game plan and qualities - trying to stop them from the goalkeeper onwards because his build-up is fantastic.
“ Luke Shaw is very dangerous and Diogo Dalot is in a good moment. Their wingers are very good. They have a good striker. But they are recovering with Casemiro.
“He’s a stopper. He recovers a lot of balls with his position, defensively. He gives them balance with and without the ball. If we are thinking about our important players with those qualities, it would be Boubacar Kamara .
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“But Casemiro is important for them and they have improved with his comeback and the confidence he is giving the other players when they are playing, allowing them to be offensive, and attack.
“They can do that when they have a player like Casemiro behind them and covering them. For set-pieces also, he’s a very important player. He’s scoring goals and he defends set-pieces as well.”
Unai Emery identified the importance of Casemiro and Andre Onana to Man Utd
The Villa boss described the visit of the Red Devils as a real six pointerAsked if it was a proper match-up in midfield with Villa’s Brazil international Douglas Luiz and Kamara, Emery replied: “Yes, but they also have (Kobbie) Mainoo, (Scott) McTominay and (Christian) Eriksen - all good players.”
Emery elaborated on why he rates Onana as a key member of the United system, saying that he is still adjusting to English football: “He’s a very good goalkeeper.
“The coach knew him from before. When he signed this keeper, it’s because he believed in his potential to adapt here in the Premier League.
“That’s not easy for any player. With some - and we have cases here as well like Moussa Diaby - you are trying to support them, give them confidence. It’s a process. I think with Onana, it could be the same. His skills allow them to be better.”
Emery billed this dust-up as a ‘six-pointer’ at his press briefing and was asked if he would settle for a point to maintain the gap between the two. He replied: “No, not at the beginning. We have to try to get the three points.
“We have to play an intelligent match. And I have a strong belief we can respond after Chelsea. We have to prepare for every detail. That’s why I’m reaching out to the supporters for their help - because we will need them.”
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