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
Sharks suffer trying times after slipping to heavy Bath defeat
SALE Sharks conceded six tries as Bath powered their way to 40-13 Gallagher Premiership win.
Red flags are flying over Josh signing
RASMUS Hojlund had a gentle time away with Denmark, playing 71 minutes across their Nations League games.
Madrid stars are the ones that got away
UNITED'S midfield overhaul is into its latest inception with the summer arrival of Manuel Ugarte and the breakthrough of Kobbie Mainoo.
Historic pub's new look after refurbishment
A HISTORIC pub with ties to a famous Manchester brewer has undergone a major renovation.
'All we see is shut down shops...it feels dead'
Town's traders and shoppers have their say ahead of regeneration plan
Bumpyroad ahead in electric car drive
TRAINS and buses may get more column inches, but the North of England is a region that remains dependent on cars to get around.
Ketamine explosion has echoes of heroin epidemic
Experts call for greater awareness of risks after huge surge in use of drug
Influencer Kitty up for top award
Teenager who woke up blind sheds light on her life with TikTok videos
£18,000 raised in memory of paddleboarder
A FUNDRAISER in memory of a personal trainer who tragically died after getting into trouble while paddleboarding at Dovestone Reservoir has raised nearly £20,000.
Chopshop gang even posed as airport valets
Chief reporter Neal Keeling on the brazen crimes of car thieves whose arrogance led to their downfall
