Gabriel Agbonlahor picks Man Utd and Aston Villa XI and snubs SIX Red Devils
Gabby Agbonlahor has never been shy of showing a bit of bias towards former club Aston Villa and nor is he afraid to trigger rival fans on the airwaves.
And now, the pundit who famously compared a young Jack Grealish to Andres Iniesta, and had Jurgen Klopp calling him out in press conferences last season, has now risked the wrath of the Manchester United faithful. The former England international was asked by talkSPORT colleague Darren Bent to name his combined XI from his beloved Villa and the Red Devils, and made some eye-catching omissions.
United were third last season whilst Villa, resurgent under Unai Emery, finished seventh. But despite the 14-point gap between the two, Agbonlahor - Villa's record Premier League goalscorer - went for an XI comprising of six of their players, with some big United names cast aside.
Goalkeeper and back four: Emiliano Martinez (Villa), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (United), Lisandro Martinez (United), Ezri Konsa (Villa), Luke Shaw (United)
"In goal I'm having the World Cup winner, best goalkeeper in the world, Martinez," said Agbonlahor. "Left back I'm gonna go Luke Shaw, although I do like Alex Moreno, very good player. Martinez left-sided centre half, and Konsa I'm putting in right-sided centre half."
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Pressed by Bent if that meant no Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, or Victor Lindelof, Agbonlahor simply replied "no" to each suggestion: "Right back Wan Bissaka," he continued. "I really like him. I'm not too fussed about my right back being the best at crossing. No one gets past him."
Midfielders: Douglas Luiz (Villa), John McGinn (Villa), Bruno Fernandes (United)
"Midfield is quite simple for me," he said. "Casemiro is a very good player but not at his best in his career, so not making my midfield. I've got Douglas Luiz...outstanding player, and John McGinn as two centre midfielders. In front of them, in a free role, Fernandes."
HAVE YOUR SAY! What's your combined Man United and Aston Villa XI? Comment below.
Whilst the Casemiro comments will raise eyebrows, given the influence of the Brazilian last season, it was Agbonlahor's explanation for leaving out new £60 million signing Mason Mount that was most savage. "Last sub on the bench. Mason Mount, nowhere near making that team," he said.
Forwards: Marcus Rashford (United), Moussa Diaby (Villa), Ollie Watkins (Villa)
"Rashford on the left, that picks itself quite easily," said the pundit, before ripping into one of Ten Hag's £80 million purchases. "On the right, very easy, Antony can't do anything - was nothing last season, so I got Moussa Diaby. I've watched this guy, unbelievable. You'll see this season, frighteningly quick, left foot, he will get many goals and assists.
"The central striker is also quite easy, Watkins. I mean who else you gonna choose? Weghorst? Martial? Hojlund will be a good player but he's unproven in the Premier League at the moment."
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