Aston Villa face Man United as Emery sweats on Cash fitness
Jadon Sancho is on loan at Aston Villa to season’s end before his Man Utd contract expires. Michael Carrick will not rule out a return, keeping the door ajar despite it being unlikely.
Amid Chelsea links, Morgan Rogers likes Reece James’ new-deal post. Villa’s 23-year-old, on contract to 2031, has 10 goals and seven assists this season as interest grows ahead of summer.
Emery says Matty Cash is a doubt for Man United. McGinn returned v Lille, Kamara still out. Tielemans progressing. Barkley and Alysson back for Sunday. Bogarde praised, could cover if Cash is not fit.
Carragher calls Emery ‘perfect’ for Man United but says his Villa success and past perceptions mean he is underrated and unlikely to be a candidate, which he adds is good news for Aston Villa.
Ex-Anderlecht boss Besnik Hasi slams Yasin Özcan’s signing, noting he ‘hadn’t played a single second for Villa’. Özcan struggled, was recalled in January and loaned to Besiktas with obligation to buy.
Man United could keep the same back four with Mazraoui fit. Predicted XI includes Maguire, Yoro and Shaw, with Casemiro, Mainoo and Sesko, and Fernandes supporting.
Ex-Millwall keeper Bryan King urges Aston Villa to sign winger Femi Azeez, praising his pace after an 8-goal, 6-assist season. Says he could cost £30m, with Millwall’s promotion fate key to his future.
With United level on points with Villa, Carrick seeks a sixth straight home league win. Villa won 2-1 in December and chase a first league double over United since 1954-55.
Villa U21s beat Norwich 2-1 in PL2. Burgess headed the opener, Wilson equalised, then Lynch punished a goalkeeper error for the winner. Proctor made late saves as Villa chase play-off places.
Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett expects UEFA action after Villa fans were restrained and hit by police trying to reach seats at Lille. He anticipates a Lille fine as Villa lead 1-0 before the return leg.
Preview tips United to edge Villa in a tight top-four clash, suggesting the hosts may need time to break through. Livescore
Emery hails a disciplined 1-0 away win at Lille as Watkins scores. He urges focus for the second leg at Villa Park and wants more goals from Rogers, Sancho, Bailey, Buendia and the midfielders.
Emery praises Carrick’s ‘very good job’ and says Villa, buoyed by the 1-0 at Lille, must harness home support against third-placed Man United with both clubs on 51 points.
