Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

Unai Emery explains how he wants Aston Villa to play ahead of Manchester United fixture

New Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery has given an insight into how he wants his side to play ahead of taking charge of his first match against Manchester United at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Spaniard, who has previously spent just over a year managing in the Premier League, taking charge of Arsenal between May 2018 and November 2019, was installed as Steven Gerrard's replacement towards the end of last month. He arrived in England earlier this week and Sunday's clash with United will mark the first game of his premiership.

Villa have experienced a difficult start to the campaign, winning just three of their first 13 Premier League fixtures. They were thumped 4-0 by Newcastle United last weekend and are currently just a point above the relegation zone.

READ MORE: Donny van de Beek has blown his best chance yet at United

However, Emery, who will face United in his first two games as Villa boss, with the two sides scheduled to meet in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford next Thursday, is relishing the challenge of getting to grips with management in the Premier League again. Furthermore, he has outlined how he wants his side to play under his stewardship, offering an insight into what United could have to deal with.

"It's a new challenge," said Emery. "The Premier League is a tough challenge for me, I think I can improve here with Aston Villa and with the challenge I am going to give the players with me.

"I'm looking forward to be there with the supporters and wishing to feel their push, the atmosphere and to play at home for me is so important to create that big atmosphere, helping us with our supporters. First, I want every supporter to be proud of how we work and how we can show our capacity on the pitch.

"I like the position of the ball but when we can progress, be aggressive, attacking the spaces and play with energy. I was watching our players in the training session, before matches they played and we have players with energy and good skills.

"Between everybody we are going to share that and achieve our identity, out style, for every supporter to be proud of us."

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.