Brian Sørenson looks on during a match.
Brian Sorensen looks on prior to the Subway Women's League Cup match between Everton and Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on October 19, 2025. (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)
Interim Aston Villa manager Brian Sørenson has praised his side’s recent performances but insists there is still room for improvement as they prepare to face Manchester United on Sunday.
Aston Villa will be looking to turn their impressive recent form into another valuable three points this weekend, with Sørenson encouraged by what he has seen from his players in recent weeks.
Villa head into the fixture unbeaten in eight games across all competitions, giving them plenty of confidence ahead of another important test. However, Sørenson knows his side must maintain their standards and learn from the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser against Arsenal in their previous outing.
Despite being denied a victory at the Emirates Stadium, the interim manager believes there were plenty of positives to take from the performance.
Sørenson praises Aston Villa’s defensive display against Arsenal
Reflecting on the 1-1 draw away to Arsenal, Sorenson highlighted Villa’s defensive organisation and commitment to the game plan as two of the biggest positives.
He was particularly pleased with how his players limited Arsenal’s opportunities, although he admitted there were lessons to take from the goal they conceded.
“There’s a lot of positives in terms of how we defensively look really solid,” Sørenson explained.
The Villa boss acknowledged that his side could have done more to track runners inside the penalty area, identifying this as an area that needs attention before Sunday’s meeting with Manchester United.
Embed from Getty Images
He added: “They had three or four chances inside the box, and that’s when we lose a runner on the back of our shoulder. That’s something we’ve spoken about.
“That’s actually the main big moment for them, but it’s something we can fix because maybe we didn’t track the player particularly well in that moment.”
Nevertheless, Sørenson was pleased with the overall application of his players, believing they came close to executing their game plan perfectly against one of the league’s strongest sides.
“The game plan, the application, the commitment – everyone believed in it, and we almost succeeded. So, yeah, a good performance.”
Late Arsenal equaliser provides an important lesson
Conceding so late against Arsenal was undoubtedly frustrating for Villa, particularly after producing such a disciplined performance for much of the match.
However, Sørenson suggested the focus of the post-match discussions was not simply about defending their lead for longer. Instead, the coaching staff and players also considered whether they could have done more to push for a second goal.
Embed from Getty Images
He explained that Villa had felt the momentum beginning to shift and discussed how they could have managed that situation differently.
“We talked through the goal, but I think it was a case where we maybe felt we could go for a second rather than just holding on to it,” he said.
“Again, we don’t want to defend for 90 minutes, but sometimes teams also make sure they do that.”
Although the late equaliser left the squad frustrated, Sørenson was keen to emphasise that the overall mood remained positive following another encouraging performance.
He added that everyone was happy with the way things had been looking recently, suggesting confidence remains high within the Villa camp.
Aston Villa targeting three points against Man United
Villa’s unbeaten run of eight matches across all competitions has provided a strong platform heading into Sunday’s clash, but Sørenson knows performances must ultimately translate into league points.
Consistency will be particularly important against Man United, with the interim manager keen to maintain stability in both his team’s approach and selection.
Sørenson believes building strong partnerships on the pitch can make a significant difference, especially as Villa look to maintain the momentum they have developed.
“We need to be the same, look the same, act the same, and hopefully be consistent in our team selections because that helps build relationships and partnerships on the pitch,” he said.
While acknowledging the quality of United, Sørenson insisted his attention remains firmly on what Aston Villa can bring to the contest.
Embed from Getty Images
The manager wants his players to build on their recent performances, identify areas where they can improve and deliver another strong display in front of their supporters.
“We know United, but we focus on us. How can we add a little bit more to make sure that we put in a performance that gives us three points?”
With confidence growing following their recent unbeaten run, Aston Villa will be hoping to carry their defensive organisation and collective commitment into Sunday’s meeting.
For Sørenson, the challenge is clear: maintain the positive performances, learn from the mistakes against Arsenal and turn that progress into a victory against Manchester United.