)
A match preview as Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United host Aston Villa in a decisive game of heroes and villains at Old Trafford.
In every superhero story, you will always find a villain and this is the case when this fixture between Manchester United and Aston Villa comes to mind.
Dutchman Erik Ten Hag has been praised and called a hero for saving English giant Manchester United from their dark days under Ralf Rangnick and his predecessor, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
However, this Sunday, the former Ajax boss and his team of Red Devils will face familiar foes Aston Villa who have been one of the Villains in his journey so far in Manchester.
)
10:48 - 28.04.2023
Ten Hag slams Manchester United players after display against Tottenham
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag ripped into his players for not giving maximum effort throughout Thursday night's 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
Ahead of that visit, here are three reasons why Man United must be careful with these legitimate Villains.
Aston Villa’s form
Ten Hag is seen as a hero for the Red Devils after he ended their six-year wait for a title in less than a year in charge and is on course to bring back Champions League football under the lights at Old Trafford.
However, when he takes to the touchline later on Sunday in the Premier League, the 56-year-old won’t be the only hero in the dugout.
Ten Hag cannot forget in a hurry what happened the last time United battled Aston Villa with a certain new manager, Unai Emery.
)
18:47 - 22.04.2023
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery praises his team for their fight back
Unai Emery's side played a draw with Brentford at the Brentford Community Stadium and the manager has heaped praise on his team for their late comeback.
It was Emery’s first game in charge and Villa played their villain role in Ten Hag’s story perfectly well following a season-changing 3-1 win.
)
Villa were 17th on the table before that game but things have since changed for the Villains after the new hero at Villa Park weaved his magic wand.
Former Arsenal manager, Emery, has taken the Villains from a side battling relegation to one competing for a place in Europe next season.
Emery’s Magic
)
21:14 - 29.04.2023
FOOTBALL Greenwood tells friends he 'will never' play for Manchester United again
The forward is reportedly frustrated after the Red Devils failed to reintegrate him into the first team set-up.
The has worked his magic with the Villains which has seen him become a hero and fan favourite at the club.
Villa have looked different under Emery and will go into the game against Man United confident of coming out with a positive result.
)
Emery’s Villains are on a rich vein of form, with a run of 10 matches without defeat in the Premier League heading into the game at Old Trafford.
)
17:00 - 15.04.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE Advantage Manchester United? Newcastle United suffer heavy defeat at Aston Villa
The Magpies are United’s top four close rivals this season.
That excellent run is Villa’s longest in the League since 2011 which has taken them from 17th to sixth in the standings, fighting for a place in Europe.
It is some distance from the poor, disorganised and struggling side that the Villains were under Steven Gerrard.
Manchester United losing guard
While Ten Hag has done quite a lot since he took reigns at Old Trafford, recently, the Reds have been losing guard.
These days, United have learnt a bad habit - letting slip comfortable and controlling positions in matches across competitions.
)
From the Europa League quarterfinal clash against Sevilla to the game against Tottenham in the Premier League, Ten Hag and his men can’t afford another slip-up against this Villa side later on Sunday.
)
23:46 - 08.04.2023
Emery talks European ambitions for Aston Villa
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery makes bold claim that his side are targeting qualifying for European places.
Bonus
Players to watch: Ollie Watkins has been important for the Villains despite his mini-drought. While Marcus Rashford remains the main man for Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes will be the man Red Devils fans will look up to make things happen on the pitch.
)
Prediction
Aston Villa have been in good form and have every reason to be confident going into this game, but have won on just one of their last 11 visits to OT.
On the other hand, United’s hero, Ten Hag, has made Old Trafford a fortress again, with the Reds unbeaten in 25 matches.
)
08:42 - 23.04.2023
Erik Ten Hag demands show of character ahead of semi-final showdown
Manchester United face Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final as they look to secure their second trophy this season.
A game of heroes and villains, i can’t wait to see who plays what role today, especially with Emery’s Villa becoming the first team in PL history to score in their manager’s first 20 matches.
FT: Man United 1-1 Aston Villa
Who will win the Premier League this season?
Related content
)
21:50 - 28.04.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE Arsenal and Manchester United set for history on American soil
The match will be another important moment in both sides' build-up to next season,
)
22:30 - 28.04.2023
TRANSFERS Manchester United and Arsenal set to battle for Mohamed Kudus
The Ghanaian has proven himself a proficient attacker, attracting interest from big clubs.
)
10:10 - 29.04.2023
Sheikh Jassim makes world-record offer to buy Manchester United
According to latest reports, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani made a world-record bid to buy Manchester United from the Glazer family on Friday night.
)
11:34 - 29.04.2023
Salah to score and other stats for Liverpool vs Tottenham clash
Premier League games continue as the season enters game week 34. We have made available some enticing odds for the EPL match between Liverpool and Tottenham.
)
13:30 - 29.04.2023
TRANSFERS Manchester United identify Casemiro’s successor
United are eager to sign a long-term midfielder to fill the void when the Brazilian finally leaves.
)
17:20 - 29.04.2023
FA CUP ‘Manchester City will not lose FA Cup final’ – Neville
The retired footballer tips the Citizens to beat his old club during the June 3 final at Wembley.
)
19:45 - 29.04.2023
TRANSFERS Manchester United to make sensational Neymar move
The Brazilian is among the transfer options United will target in the next transfer window.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)