ERIK ten Hag said United had been caught by surprise when they were the victims in Unai Emery's first match in charge of Aston Villa.
The Reds were beaten 3-1 at Villa Park on November 6, a defeat that looked disappointing at the time, but Emery's work with Villa since then has been exceptional.
The Spaniard has won 13 of his 22 games in charge and Villa have risen from 16th and a potential relegation battle to sixth and the possibility of a place in Europe.
They are six points behind United ahead of today's reverse fixture at Old Trafford, although Ten Hag's side have two games in hand. Villa are unbeaten in 10 Premier League games, winning eight of them.
Esta historia es de la edición April 30, 2023 de MEN on Sunday.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 30, 2023 de MEN on Sunday.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Rotation key as fixture pile-up won't leave Ru in a spin at Reds
RUBEN Amorim says United's stacked schedule is 'no excuse' as he seeks a first Premier League win in charge against Everton.
Midfielder makes Case for new boss as players excited’
MIDFIELD enforcer Casemiro has said all of United's players are 'excited' by the recent appointment of Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Market forces at workas Toffees stick with Jarrad
EVERTON manager Sean Dyche has explained why the club blocked United from signing Jarrad Branthwaite last summer.
LIVERPOOL RISE IS 'NO SURPRISE'
CITY forward Phil Foden has not been surprised by Liverpool's emergence as title rivals this season but believes they have benefited from being under less scrutiny.
Sale boss looking for Sharks to bite!
WITH Sale Sharks lingering in eighth in the Gallagher Premiership, Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson has pulled no punches in getting the Sharks' 'bite back' for today's game against Leicester Tigers.
Sport report calls for North funding
\"IT is probably legitimate for Northerners to claim that the North is the spiritual home of British sport,\" says the foreword of a new report launched in Parliament this week.
Beating art of the city is honoured
Awards night celebrates our leading cultural lights
Buying ahome more affordable
OVER the last year, buying a home has become slightly more affordable in comparison to the average income - says Halifax.
Thousands back hospital rebuild
THOUSANDS of people have signed a petition calling for the urgent rebuild of a Manchester hospital.
Chance to live on 'hidden gem
A RARE opportunity has come up to live on an iconic Manchester street that has been named one of the UK's top hidden gems.
