Premier League5 hours ago1 minute read

Unai Emery Compares Manchester United Challenge to Barcelona

Unai Emery insists Manchester United are on the same level as Barcelona as Aston Villa prepare for a trip to Old Trafford.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Emery warns Villa of Old Trafford test

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery believes Manchester United are on the same level as Barcelona. Villa travel to Old Trafford on Sunday coming off a 3-0 loss to Barcelona in the Champions League. Despite that European defeat, Villa enter the match bidding to extend a five game unbeaten run.

Michael Carrick's Manchester United side have struggled this season, winning just one league match so far. The out of form side face mounting pressure. Even so, Emery insists the trip to Old Trafford will present a very difficult challenge for his team.

Dismal record for Emery at United

Emery has a poor record at Old Trafford, having never won there in his managerial career. Villa have also struggled heavily at the venue, losing each of their last six meetings there across all competitions. In fact, Villa have not won a match at Old Trafford for four years.

Emery explained that his players faced the highest level against Barcelona, and he expects the exact same standard on Sunday. He said United are a fantastic club that achieved Champions League qualification last year, adding that they should recover their consistency soon.

Emery contract talks and past heartbreaks

The Villa boss confirmed that he is currently in talks over a new contract at the club. Looking ahead to the weekend fixture, he admitted Old Trafford remains a huge challenge for his managerial trajectory and for his players.

Emery recalled past disappointments at the stadium, including a defeat two years ago on the last match when Villa were close to reaching the Champions League. He stated that Villa must perform in their best individual and collective way to get a result.

What it means for the next game

Manchester United vs Aston Villa (Premier League, Sun, 08 Nov): Manchester United win 44%, draw 25%, Aston Villa win 31%; expected goals 1.72 to 1.42. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.

Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona (LaLiga, Sun, 08 Nov): Atlético Madrid win 28%, draw 23%, Barcelona win 50%; expected goals 1.47 to 2.03. Our safest pick: Barcelona or Draw.