Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has openly admitted that travelling to Old Trafford has been one of the biggest challenges of his time in English football, revealing that he is yet to win there during his four years in charge of Villa.
With Manchester United preparing to welcome Aston Villa on Sunday, Emery has made it clear that he has enormous respect for the club and understands the challenge awaiting his players.
The Spaniard has repeatedly experienced painful afternoons at Old Trafford, and his record against United on their home ground is something he clearly wants to change.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Emery recalled how difficult it has been for his team to get a positive result in Manchester.
🗣️ Unai Emery:
“Four years I am here, travelling to Manchester to play against them, we have LOST.
Even in the first match we played, Carabao Cup, we lost 3-2, four years ago.
So, it means, for us, it’s VERY difficult.”
Emery also praised Manchester United, describing them as a fantastic football club while acknowledging their performances and ambitions.
🗣️ On Manchester United:
“Manchester United is a FANTASTIC club. They are performing very good last year, achieving to play UCL.
This year, as well, they are in the Champions League, playing well.”
He admitted that United have not always been consistent in the Premier League this season but believes they have the quality to recover their form.
However, he made one thing very clear: he hopes that improvement does not begin against Aston Villa!
🗣️ Emery added:
“In the league, they started a little bit not being consistent, but should recover their consistency in the Premier League, hopefully not on Sunday against us.”
The Villa manager also remembered the painful defeat against United two years ago, when his team were fighting for Champions League qualification on the final day of the season.
For Emery, returning to Old Trafford remains a huge challenge, and he knows his players must deliver an exceptional performance.
🗣️ His final message:
“Old Trafford is a huge challenge. We must play in our best, in our best individual and collective way.”
🔥 The respect is clear, but Manchester United cannot afford to become complacent. Aston Villa are a serious opponent, and Emery will be desperate to finally break his Old Trafford curse.
UNITED FANS, WILL MICHAEL CARRICK’S MEN MAKE IT ANOTHER PAINFUL VISIT TO OLD TRAFFORD FOR UNAI EMERY? 👀🔴
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