Aston Villa’s hopes of securing Champions League football for the 2026/27 season have taken a massive hit in recent weeks, with Sunday’s result inflicting further damage to their chances.
Unai Emery’s side suffered a 3-1 defeat against fellow European-chasing outfit Manchester United, subsequently extending their recent winless run in the Premier League.
The Villans have now failed to win any of their last four league outings, and now sit just three points clear of Chelsea, who currently occupy sixth position.
unai-emery-aston-villa
Emery desperately needs to find a solution to the recent struggles in England’s top-flight, especially if the club are to once again feature in Europe’s biggest football competition.
However, the lack of form will no doubt be a concern to the manager, with numerous players continuing to fall way below the expectations they have set for themselves.
The struggles of Ollie Watkins against Man Utd
Over the last couple of seasons, striker Ollie Watkins has often been Villa’s go-to source of goals in the final third - as seen by his incredible goalscoring tallies.
The England international netted 44 goals across all competitions in the last two seasons, but he’s ultimately fallen way below the levels expected of him in 2025/26.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins
The 30-year-old has only scored nine times in his 41 appearances throughout the current campaign, with only one of his efforts coming in his last nine starts for Emery’s men.
However, his showing against United on Sunday was yet another to forget, with the centre forward failing to register a single shot on goal during the defeat.
Watkins also only managed to complete six passes during the contest at Old Trafford, leading to many fans questioning his current ability and lack of quality.
He certainly looks a shadow of his former self, with the striker looking off the pace and only being able to complete 25% of the dribbles he attempted in the defeat.
The Villa star who now looks finished under Emery
The decline of Watkins at Aston Villa truly is a sorry sight, especially given the levels he’s previously produced during his near six-year spell in the West Midlands.
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring their first goal
His tally of 96 goals in his 266 appearances for the Villans has no doubt made him a club legend, with the 30-year-old now the club’s leading Premier League goalscorer.
However, it’s evident that the Englishman is no longer at the level required for success in the Premier League, with changes desperately needing to be made.
The whole squad is suffering at present - as seen by the recent form - which could see the club miss out on a place in the Champions League if they’re not careful.
Emery’s team selections in recent weeks have certainly raised eyebrows, often selecting players that unfortunately, like Watkins, aren’t good enough in 2026.
Centre-back Tyrone Mings is another player who unfortunately falls into such a category, with the defender mirroring Watkins in failing to catch the eye this season.
Mings
The 33-year-old has been an excellent servant to the Villans throughout the years, subsequently amassing 187 appearances throughout his seven years in the West Midlands.
He’s endured a torrid period with injuries throughout his career at Villa Park, which no doubt has had a huge impact on his struggles over the last few months.
Mings has featured 13 times in the Premier League so far this term, but his showing against United on Sunday afternoon was further evidence that he’s not what’s required in 2026.
He featured for the entirety of the defeat against Michael Carrick’s men, subsequently failing to make any tackles and only winning 50% of the ground duels he entered.
tyrone mings
The defender did manage to make three headed clearances against the Red Devils, but ultimately, was unable to prevent the hosts from finding the back of the net on three occasions.
At the other end of the pitch, Mings had the chance to fire home in the 60th minute, but was unable to divert his header goalwards - resulting in a big chance being missed.
Tyrone Mings - stats against Man Utd
Statistics
Minutes played
Touches
Pass accuracy
Big chances missed
Long ball accuracy
Tackles won
Duels won
Possession lost
He also managed to complete just three forward passes and only won two aerial battles at Old Trafford - with Emery needing to make a huge call in his future.
There’s no doubt he’s been an excellent squad option for Villa in recent years, but Mings should be nowhere near a regular starter if the club are to push for UCL qualification.
Tyrone Mings for Aston Villa
The 33-year-old ultimately isn’t at the level of a side pushing for the top four, which could lead to a departure away from Villa Park during the summer window.
It could prove to be a make-or-break transfer window for Emery during the off-season, with the likes of Watkins and Mings desperately needing to be moved on to allow for added reinforcements.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery during the match Related
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The Villans may have to cash-in on an important player.