Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has shared a complimentary verdict of Manchester United ahead of Sunday’s meeting in the Premier League, while acknowledging that Ruben Amorim’s side have faced problems this season.
It’s been a wild Premier League season to date, with teams up and down the division lacking consistency, including Manchester United.
The Red Devils started the 2025/26 campaign slowly, losing on the opening day of the season to league leaders Arsenal and crashing out of the Carabao Cup in the second round after an embarrassing defeat to Grimsby Town.
That means the pressure is on Ruben Amorim to turn things around, especially after finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham last term.
With Casemiro suspended, who should start vs Aston Villa?
Kobbie Mainoo or Manuel Ugarte?
United go into the game against Aston Villa this weekend looking to make it five games unbeaten, while Unai Emery’s side are seeking a terrific 10th straight victory across all competitions.
Unai Emery shares Man Utd verdict ahead of Premier League meeting
United have made some improvements since last season, but it remains to be seen if that will be enough to secure a Champions League spot in the Premier League by the end of the campaign.
Amorim’s side are sixth in the Premier League after 16 games, but they’re just two points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 3 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 16 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 25 | 17 | 8 | 33 |
| 4 |  ChelseaChelsea | 16 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 27 | 15 | 12 | 28 |
| 5 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 16 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 20 | 15 | 5 | 26 |
| 6 |  Manchester UnitedManchester United | 16 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 30 | 26 | 4 | 26 |
| 7 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 16 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 26 | 24 | 2 | 26 |
| 8 |  SunderlandSunderland | 16 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 19 | 17 | 2 | 26 |
However, United’s form at Old Trafford has let them down, winning only four of their eight games in the league. The Red Devils lost to Arsenal and Everton and drew with West Ham and Bournemouth at home.
It goes without saying that United would be in a stronger position had they won some of those games.
With a trip to Aston Villa on the cards for United, Emery has given his verdict on their upcoming opponents.
The Villa boss has identified that United have a bigger problem with matches at home rather than away, so he will be demanding a big effort from his team on Sunday.
“[It will be] very difficult [for us this weekend],” Emery told reporters on Friday, as quoted by 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.”
Remember Rasmus Hojlund’s Boxing Day winner vs Aston Villa?
Can we make it 5 wins out of the last 6 vs Villa this weekend?
Unai Emery reminds Aston Villa of record against Man Utd
Despite Emery highlighting United’s problem with games at home, it will have no bearing on the upcoming fixture between the two teams.
Emery also pointed out how United have got the better of Villa over the past 30-31 years.
“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,” the Villa boss added.
“And I think this is really crazy number for Aston Villa, against Manchester United.”
It was November 2022 when Villa last beat United at home. The game ended 3-1 to give Emery a perfect start with the Midlands outfit.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
