Unai Emery to Aston Villa: First home game against Manchester United

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One of the frustratingly uneven elements of a Premier League season is going up against teams with different managers.

There was a real difference for teams facing Eddie Howe’s Newcastle twice last season compared to teams which got a game against a Steve Bruce led side.

Manchester United ended up on the right side of this particular scenario – but it usually doesn’t feel this way.

A case of poor timing is set to impact Manchester United in the upcoming game with Aston Villa on November 6.

Unai Emery to Aston Villa

Aston Villa have confirmed Unai Emery has taken over as manager, announcing the news last night.

Emery’s first home game as Aston Villa manager will be… against Manchester United.

For United this comes sandwiched between this weekend’s home game with West Ham and crucially, the away Europa League clash with Real Sociedad.

The game against Sociedad is a must-win fixture for United to secure top spot in the group, and avoid an extra knockout tie against a Champions League third place finisher.

So there will be no chance of resting and rotating players, ahead of a tough away trip to Aston Villa.

Last season Villa played well against United, winning at Old Trafford and fighting back to claim a 2-2 draw at Villa Park. United did win 1-0 in an FA Cup tie.

Emery has a mixed record against United. In nine games he has won two, drawn three, and lost four.

Emery famously led Villarreal to the Europa League trophy in 2021 over Manchester United via a penalty shootout win – although United did win twice in Champions League group stage games against his side last season.

Villa have a talented squad and the crowd will be fired up for his first home match. It’s an extra complication for Erik ten Hag’s side and a reminder nothing will come easy.

Manchester United fans would have revelled in piling on the pressure on Steven Gerrard if the former Liverpool midfielder was still in charge.

Unfortunately circumstances have changed. Emery will have two early dates against United, the league match on November 6, and then a EFL Cup match at Old Trafford on November 10.