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“Manchester United are…..”- Unai Emery Boss Sends Unexpected Message About Man United Before Final Day Battle
Emery Downplays ‘Changing of the Guard’ Talk Ahead of Villa’s Crucial Clash with Man United
Unai Emery has rejected the idea that a win for Aston Villa at Manchester United on Sunday — potentially securing Champions League qualification — would signal a shift in the Premier League hierarchy.
Villa travel to Old Trafford knowing a victory would place them in a commanding position to finish in the top five, earning a spot in Europe’s top competition for the second straight season.
United, on the other hand, are enduring a disappointing campaign. Sitting 16th in the Premier League, they are still reeling from their Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, a loss that confirmed they will miss out on European football next season.
A win for Villa would put them 30 points clear of United — a scenario unimaginable just a few years ago. Yet Emery remains cautious, emphasizing that United and Spurs will continue to be considered stronger contenders in the future.
“Their greatness remains,” Emery said. “When the new season starts, both Manchester United and Tottenham will still be seen as bigger contenders than us.
“We’ve been ambitious and consistent, and we’ve earned our place in Europe again. But clubs like Tottenham and United still have the power and resources to compete at the top. Spurs may have struggled in the league, but winning the Europa League got them where they wanted to be.”
Emery added that while Villa have made significant progress — qualifying for Europe in three consecutive seasons — he expects United and Spurs to be ahead of them again when the new campaign begins.
The Villa boss repeatedly referred to United’s “greatness” in his pre-match press conference, even as the Red Devils endure one of their worst seasons in decades. Despite that, Emery warned against underestimating them, especially given Villa’s poor historical record at Old Trafford — just two wins there since 1983.
Villa have also struggled in away games on the final day of the season, managing only one win in their last 26 attempts.
However, this United side is not the powerhouse of old. Their 20 defeats across all competitions this season mark their worst total since 1974 — the last time they were relegated.
Still, Emery said he is preparing for the best version of United.
“I always expect their best. Manchester United’s greatness hasn’t disappeared. They still have a top coach and top players. We haven’t beaten them at Old Trafford since I’ve been here, and I have great respect for their history and what they represent.
“I know they’ll be motivated to perform for their fans and to prove their quality on the pitch.”
