Aston Villa John McGinn Unai Emery
(credit: Imago)
Max Wilkins
Sun 25 May 2025 14:49, UK
Unai Emery has named an unchanged Aston Villa side as they face Manchester United on the final day of Premier League action on Sunday.
The Villans know exactly what they need to do as they travel to Old Trafford in search of a huge three points on 25 May.
A win against the Red Devils gives the B6 club every chance of qualifying for the Champions League, as long as results elsewhere go their way.
This makes for an interesting clash in M16 as Ruben Amorim’s side looks to bounce back from their Europa League final defeat against Tottenham in Bilbao.
With that being said, there is very little for the home side to play for besides personal pride, something which Emery will be keen to take advantage of.
As a result, it is little surprise that the Spaniard has kept an unchanged side, but he may live to regret his decision surrounding John McGinn.
John McGinn Aston Villa
John McGinn has had a positive season for Aston Villa (Credit: Imago)
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Aston Villa confirmed XI v Manchester United
On a day which could prove to be the final game for many for the B6 club, Emi Martinez is once again lining up in goal. The 32-year-old will be hoping for a similarly quiet afternoon to what he faced against Spurs, where he had to make just one save [FotMob].
Ahead of the Argentina international, a familiar back four including Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Ian Maatsen has been utilised once again.
The base of midfield features no changes as both Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana have been handed a start after their combined six defensive actions last time out.
Emery has opted to go with a tried and trusted formula in the forward line with Morgan Rogers and Marco Asensio starting again, with the latter creating two chances while maintaining an 83 per cent pass accuracy against Ange Postecoglou’s side.
This duo has been joined by McGinn, who may have proven to be a better option off the bench after his 0 per cent long ball accuracy while making just four passes into the final third last time out.
Unsurprisingly, this attacking trio is being spearheaded by Ollie Watkins once again after his assist against Tottenham, as he looks to score the goals to secure a top-five finish for the Villans.
Aston Villa must secure win v Manchester United
There is no getting away from the fact that Villa have a tragic record away against the Red Devils, winning just two in the Premier League era.
It was Kortney Hause who scored the last winning goal at Old Trafford as Dean Smith’s side came away with a 1-0 win after a Bruno Fernandes penalty miss.
Date Score Goalscorer
25/09/21 Manchester United 0-1 Aston Villa Kortney Hause
12/12/09 Manchester United 0-1 Aston Villa Gabby Agbonlahor
Aston Villa only Premier League wins v Manchester United away
What Emery and Co. would do for the same result against Amorim’s side on Sunday (25 May), regardless of the home side’s recent form.
The Spaniard needs his best players to put their best foot forward and secure an important win to put pressure on the likes of Newcastle United, Manchester City and Chelsea.
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