Five Aston Villa players Manchester United need to be wary of this weekend.
This weekend a resurgent Manchester United travel to the West Midlands to take on a consistently inconsistent Aston Villa. Paul Lambert’s men can’t decide whether to go on an unbeaten streak or a winless streak this term, having already experienced both. Encounters between the two sides are often interesting, with Villa either taking the Red Devils to the sword, or United disposing the Villans with consummate ease. There’s no telling which way this one will go, but below are five Villa players that Louis Van Gaal needs to be wary of.
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Christian Benteke
The big striker has been eager to make up for lost time having missed most of the year through injury. He got himself sent off against Spurs, but showed his brilliance against Crystal Palace with a truly wonderful solo goal. He is the focal point for Villa’s attack, with Paul Lambert building the team around him. His pace, power, and incredible finishing ability will make him a threat from the start, and he will be the most likely to take advantage of United’s shaky back line.
Gabriel Agbonlahor
A one-time England candidate, the 28-year-old has seen his goals dry up over recent years, but that’s mostly down to him being moved on to the wing. Like Benteke, his pace and power will cause United problems, and he has developed a savvy nature in his older years that will make him a problem in other ways. As good with his back to goal as he is running at a full-back, if he is on form then United will really be in trouble.
Andreas Weimann
A tireless worker who will present another goal threat for the United defence. Quick, evasive and one of the most natural finishers in the Villa side, the young Austrian will likely be played out wide, which will allow him to cut inside and feed off Benteke. He has scored against United before, and won’t waste an opportunity to do it again.
Charles N’Zogbia
Talk to any Villa fan and they will tell you just how frustrating the Frenchman can be. Having single-handedly saved Wigan Athletic for so long, he has been unable to replicate that kind of form for Villa on a regular basis. However, he remains one of Villa’s most unpredictable players when in possession of the ball. So unpredictable that not even he seems to know what he’ll do next, but all it takes is one stroke of luck and he’ll get it all right.
Jack Grealish
Grealish is one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from Villa’s productive youth academy in years. Blessed with the ability to ghost past players like they’re not there, the Irish under-21 international could prove to be a nightmare for Michael Carrick, should United play him at the back again. Having spent last season on loan with Notts County last term he’s slowly been working his way into Paul Lambert’s plans this season.
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