I didn't post after the Newcastle match because there was nothing really to write. It started well but then in the second half we collapsed and well, there doesn't need to be much more written about that. Instead we should look to this week.
And the new manager has spoken. There are a couple of videos but I like this one best and it's impressive. When a successful manager speaks like he does in this video, it creates optimism. The owners got it wrong in allowing the CEO to appoint the previous manager, but it is very easy to think the owners have got it right this time.
And in the video, it's confirmed that it was down to Nassef Sawiris and while there is another video, a more formal press conference, it was the one below I liked more. And it does feel a little like Purslow is gone.
First video
New badge
In other news this week there is a new badge coming soon and they are letting the crowd vote, which is nice to see. There is a very dodgy shield type badge that will get some votes but probably not many and the round badge that we all expected to see.
I think we know what is going to win and it's nice to see it's back. Nothing wrong with some of the shields we've had in the past but the round one is the one most want and probably for similar reasons.
Manchester United on Sunday
So with a new manager and a new badge, our attention turns to Sunday and while optimism is high as Aston Villa fans, I think it safe to write that expectations are realistic. Change takes time and while we are all looking forward to the match we accept that change needs to happen for us to get better.
So we hope for glimpses but just look forward to the next few months and the very strange mid season break we get this year.
Match facts from the BBC
Head-to-head
- Aston Villa's current winless run of 23 Premier League home games against United is a top-flight record (D8, L15).
- The Birmingham side's most recent home league victory in this fixture was by 3-1 in August 1995. They also won 3-0 in the League Cup in October 1999.
- Manchester United have only lost four of the 54 Premier League meetings, although they earned just a point across last season's two fixtures.
- The Red Devils are one short of becoming the first club to score 100 Premier League goals versus Aston Villa.
Aston Villa
- Unai Emery takes charge of a Villa team that has won only five of its past 24 league matches (D6, L13).
- They are vying to win successive home league games within the same season for the first time since January 2021.
- Since beating Manchester United in September last year, Villa have taken a solitary point from 14 league matches against top-six opposition, conceding 33 goals.
- Emery could become the first manager to face Manchester United four times in the Premier League without losing. He earned a win and two draws against them as Arsenal manager.
- Emiliano Martinez and Calum Chambers both started Emery's final competitive fixture in charge of Arsenal in November 2019.
- Philippe Coutinho has scored one goal and made no assists in his last 23 Premier League appearances. The Brazilian made his debut for Villa in this fixture last season, coming on as a substitute to score an 81st-minute equaliser.
Manchester United
- United are unbeaten in five league games, alternating between a win and a draw during that period.
- They have only lost once in 10 top-flight fixtures, earning 23 points.
- All three of their Premier League away wins this season have been by a one-goal margin.
- Cristiano Ronaldo is two short of 500 career league goals. He has eight goals and three assists in his past eight starts against Villa.