Aston Villa

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Managers don't often care for international breaks, but it is time for a time-out at Aston Villa after a wild couple of weeks. It was all going so well.

And it still is, really. Yes, Villa dropped points from winning positions in the past two Premier League games in annoying ways. It happens, but there is no sense of lingering concern from most Villa fans or any serious pundit.

Bournemouth was a regrettable missed opportunity, given their League Cup history, but maybe inevitable in the present day. Barcelona was just different in every sense. Although Villa were well beaten, and it was galling to see them inflict the first blow on themselves, Unai Emery's side nevertheless put up a much more spirited show than most sides who have been demolished at the Camp Nou lately. The fans I spoke to had a pretty good time anyway, albeit a rather damp one.

Villa's on-field stumbles seem like nothing more serious than getting a much-altered squad to fully settle down. It is easy to imagine them gliding along soon, entirely into their rhythm. That would be a perfectly normal process of development, were Villa not in the delicate position of trying to bridge between two sections of a league that is highly stratified, the present table notwithstanding.

To jump from the strivers to the top bracket more consistently, they will realistically need to qualify for the Champions League in successive seasons. In a transitional year with a modest start, that will be testing, but the struggles of others will help them. They should at least go close.

It will help if the tension that just occasionally seems to grip the club in recent years – really the only difficult moments since Emery has been in charge – simmers down over the break. Yes, the Manchester United rumours were unhelpful, but were just noise. Emery is a top-level coach, so when the biggest jobs come up he will be 'linked' with them, whatever that means.

However irritating or crassly expressed Villa feel comments from pundits are, there is no point chasing everything down.

Next time it happens – and it will – then so long as Emery is happy where he is (he seems to be) and your fans are happy (they are at their happiest in decades), let it be. Corporate energy is too valuable to waste on such fluff when there are important games - on and off the field - to play. Pundits gonna' pundit. Do not engage. Chill out.

"Don't be bitter, be better," suggested Villa supporter Amy Rose Finlay on this page on Tuesday, and that seems like a good motto for the next couple of weeks.

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Aston Villa are considering a move for Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia, 22, with Unai Emery a big admirer of the Belgian. (Fussball News via Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Aston Villa full-back Ian Maatsen has signed a new long-term contract with the Premier League club.

The 24-year-old Netherlands international has made over 100 appearances for Villa since joining from Chelsea in the summer of 2024.

Before that, Maatsen had loan spells at Charlton Athletic, Coventry City, Burnley and Borussia Dortmund whilst on the Blues' books.

He has started seven league matches this season, scoring one goal and assisting three.

Announcing the contract news, Villa said: "Maatsen continues to develop as one of the game's brightest talents and has played a key role in Villa's progress both domestically and in Europe."

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa centre-back Victor Lindelof says he is "very happy" to extend his contract at Villa Park until 2028, adding that it has been "a privilege" to work alongside Unai Emery.

The 32-year-old, who left Manchester United to join Aston Villa on a free transfer in September 2025, has already made 43 appearances and lifted the Europa League trophy in claret and blue.

"I've really enjoyed my time here ever since I signed, so to extend for another year feels great. As I've always said, I'm super happy here," Lindelof told VillaTV, external.

"It was a good first year and I was obviously super happy to help the club win a big trophy. I'm happy to be part of the history of this club.

"I'm just thinking about winning as many games as possible, trying to go as far as possible in each competition, and trying to secure one of the top spots in the Premier League as well."

On working with Emery, Lindelof added: "He is very demanding. He is very good at bringing out the best in players. It has been a privilege to work with him for this period of time and he is a part of this extension as well.

"I've really enjoyed working with him. I feel like I can express myself on the pitch and I understand the way he wants me to play, so that makes it easy for me."

Left-back Ian Maatsen, playmaker Emiliano Buendia and midfielders Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley are all set to sign new contracts with Aston Villa. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Victor Lindelof has extended his contract at Aston Villa until 2028 after the club have triggered their one-year option to keep the defender.

Lindelof has made 43 appearances for Villa since joining on a free transfer in 2025 following his departure from Manchester United, including 15 this season.

He helped Villa end their 30-year trophy drought when they won the Europa League in May, starting the 3-0 win over Freiburg in the final in Istanbul.

The Sweden captain, who has 84 caps for his country, is preparing for Nations League games with Bosia-Herzegovina and Poland this month.

BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton says Aston Villa fans have "nothing to worry about" after the 4-4 draw at Manchester United on Sunday.

"It was a bit of a one-off game," said Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "There was a softness about them in that twice they were two goals up and they let it slip, so the nature of the goals will be a disappointment.

"They were sloppy and Emery was clearly frustrated and angry after the game about that, but there is nothing to worry about.

"Is any Villa fan worried about Villa, or any Villa player worried? I don't think so with Unai Emery in charge."

Sutton went on to say that he "absolutely" expects Villa to finish in the top six as they are "a superbly organised side" and have recruited well in the summer.

"I think Nicolas Jackson is going to be a revelation for them and I like the look of Johan Manzambi," he added.

Take in a clip above or listen to Monday Night Club on BBC Sounds

Aston Villa fan Amy Rose Finley reacts to the goals, the substitutions, the key moments and why leaving with a point felt more like a defeat at Old Trafford against Manchester United:

"It felt like Manchester United brought back Fergie time.

"They say don't be bitter, be better. So I'm going to park that one there.

"It started so well, then straight away scoring again, which was euphoria in the Villa away end.

"We were very in control for the initial 15 minutes, but immediately after that, for the rest of the first half, United were pressing.

"When it came, it was kind of expected. A clumsy mistake giving Man Utd a penalty, when Man Utd looked hot on us.

"When that goal went in, I said to my cousin: 'They did this to Roma the other day.'

"The second half came around, and we made a good start again. The away end was in absolute disbelief and we thought it was brilliant.

"However, credit to United, they came back. I couldn't believe it when it was 4-4.

"The pain and hurt."

Listen to more from Amy above or on BBC Sounds

Dutch defender Ian Maatsen, 24, is on the verge of signing a contract extension with Aston Villa. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Manchester United and Aston Villa.

Here are some of your comments:

Man Utd fans

Gary: When is Michael Carrick going to have the bottle to drop some off these players who are not good enough? It's the same team every week. When will he try something different and give more of the academy players a game?

Tom: I'm really torn after that. The players are clearly still playing for the manager and you can argue that the squad has gaps that are hard to deal with, but the fact that we keep conceding goals like this is concerning and a better manager would have us better organised.

David: I would love to know what the defence do in training because they act like strangers on the field.

Clive: What on earth does Carrick see in Diogo Dalot? He's too slow and makes too many mistakes. Why can't he give Harry Amass a game at left back?

Steve: Almost 60 years as a United supporter and I've never seen such poor defending, even when we got relegated. The defence needs replacing completely or we will go down again. Carrick isn't to blame for the poor quality defenders he has at his disposal.

Aston Villa fans

Prit: Make no mistake, this feels like a defeat. Villa bottled a two goal lead, not once, but twice. They lacked game-management and threw away a win at Old Trafford - again. Let's hope the players feel the pain over the next two weeks and come back stronger. Maybe, if you are two-up with six minutes to go then keep the ball in the corner and play for time. Simples.

David: Still messing about at the back and passing across their goal line. Stopping when going forward and then passing backwards. Goalkeeper passing forward to a man with three opponents round him. Zion Suzuki is a great shot-stopper but useless at corners.

Andrew: Villa have got a better attacking front line compared to last season and can attack with speed because if we had taken our chances we could have scored six. On the negative side, we should have signed John Stones on a free to replace Ezri Konsa.

Keith: To lose a two goal lead twice is careless and not acceptable. The game management was poor and the substitutions didn't work. It was definitely a foul on Suzuki for United's last goal, but yet again United get away with it. Keep the faith.

David: Too often our midfield looks overrun and gives the ball away. Johan Manzambi struggles with the physical side of controlled build-up. Given how weak we are at the back we need to use our pace to get forward more quickly. Attack is the best form of defence!

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery reacts to a dramatic 4-4 draw at Manchester United in the Premier League.

Listen by pressing play below or on BBC Sounds here

Chelsea, Inter Milan and Al-Hilal have all put Aston Villa's Boubacar Kamara on their watchlist after the 26-year-old France midfielder's return from injury. (Fussball News - in German), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Aston Villa starting XI:

Zion Suzuki: Kept busy as the hosts hunted an equaliser. One excellent save from Cunha and a couple when he benefited from a kind rebound, but bad error for United's late equaliser. 5

Victor Lindelof: Found himself under a lot of pressure on a ground he knows so well and turned in an accomplished performance. 7

Taylor Harwood-Bellis: Had to remain concentrated and wasn't faultless but emerged with credit in the bank. 6

Pau Torres: Guided a header over as Villa attacked but biggest task was trying to stop Cunha. As it turned out, a stride too late getting out when Tielemans scored. Couldn't keep United out in the end. 6

Ian Maatsen: Testing day, trying to stop Amad attacking and looking to beat Mazraoui at the other end. Was doing well until the late drama. 7

Alysson (off 71, Barkley): Even the Brazilian must have been a little bit surprised his first-minute shot ended up in the net. His shot created the second and came so close to adding another to his tally after being released by Goretzka. Won the penalty at start of second half too. 8

Boubacar Kamara: Ill-advised attempted tackle on Cunha led to penalty that offered the hosts a way back into the game. Struggled to contain the home attack. 7

John McGinn (off 71, Hemmings): Everything looked so good in the opening minutes but then had to try to ensure Villa didn't fall apart as United fought back. Kept his concentration to score from the spot and created panic with a free-kick. 7

Leon Goretzka (off 78, Mbaye): Tried to relieve pressure on Villa defence as the hosts fought back and drove home Villa's fourth on a crazy day. 7

Johan Manzambi (off 78, Gomes): Not the easiest game for the Swiss international to shine given its general chaotic nature. Tried to get control but no real chance of that. 5

Nicolas Jackson (off 86, Madjo): Alert to snaffle home the rebound after Lammens had spilled McGinn's shot. Not the best performance but much effective than in his Chelsea days. 7

Aston Villa substitutes:

George Hemmings (on 71, McGinn): Came on to shore things up but move didn't work. 5

Ross Barkley (on 71, Alysson): Won't remember ending with fondness. 5

Joao Gomes (on 78, Manzambi): 5.

Ibrahim Mbaye (on 78, Goretzka): 5.

Brian Madjo (on 86, Jackson): 5.

Subs not used: Bizot, Mings, Buendia, Cisse.

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery speaking to Sky Sports: "A very difficult match. We competed well and we struggled in the first half after our two goals. Second half we had good balance to try to win the match. Scored two more goals and when we were controlling the game in the last six minutes they scored two goals. They can do it - they did it against Roma. My analysis is that overall we have lost a good opportunity to win the match.

"We have young talented players, we need to get this mix. We are being demanding to play at this level. United showed their level. We must continue working, move on and analyse and how we can defend better and in the moment we were dominating get the better attack. We are disappointed, frustrated because in miunute 90 we are winning 2-4. We will accept the result because we have won three and drawn three in last matches and we're doing well. But today we have lost two points.

"We must be positive even in defeat because we have to continue moving on with the process."

On storming off at the end: "They scored in minute 96 and there were six minutes added. I thought the match was finishing.

"Not unfair - they scored the goal and I thought the match was over."

Aston Villa captain John McGinn, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We have to manage these moments better. Not a lot of teams will come here 2-0 and give goals away. We have to defend better in those positions. In the last 10 minutes of each half, we have to manage better.

"We have a lot of inexperienced players but a lot of talent and that's why we score goals. It doesn't matter if United are low in confidence, you're always up against it. The third goal was really poor and gave them a lot of encouragement to score.

"We lost two points. We threw it away. The last five minutes were just madness. It's going to sting.

"The manager is a winner; he'll be hurting the way we are. We go play international football but he'll dwell on it for two weeks."

Did you know?

• Aston Villa scored four goals in a match against Manchester United for the first time since November 1963, a 4-0 win in the top-flight.

• Nicolas Jackson has scored six goals in his last six Premier League appearances for Aston Villa

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Manchester United's performance

What did you make of Aston Villa's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

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There were great scenes at Old Trafford on Tuesday with Manchester United coming back from 2-0 down to beat Roma, who had to field their third-choice goalkeeper because of injuries.

That ended up being a really good result, but there are so many things about United that are just not convincing at the moment - as a club they are trying to convey this picture of togetherness and it is just not there for me.

Beating Roma was a great comeback, of course, but you still feel United are not far from another collapse, especially against an Aston Villa team who are so well structured, and capable of punishing any weakness.

Villa boss Unai Emery has been talked about as a potential successor to Michael Carrick at Old Trafford, but he is too good for United as far as I can see.

United will score, but Villa are going to win this. Nicolas Jackson will bag a couple and we might see more tears from Bruno Fernandes at the final whistle.

Sutton's prediction: 1-3

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester United will attempt to win for only the second time in the Premier League season against an Aston Villa side who lost in the Champions League on Tuesday.

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes ahead of their meeting at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Manchester United's comeback win against Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday provided some welcome respite for beleaguered manager Michael Carrick, along with some welcome fight from his players.

United responded to going two goals down in the opening 18 minutes by producing arguably their finest 45 minutes of the campaign so far in the second half, with forward Matheus Cunha capping off a 3-2 victory.

For the first time this season, they prevented their opponent from having a shot in the second half and won more duels (41) than in any other game after half-time.

The challenge for Carrick and his players alike will be to repeat that performance across 90 minutes five days later in the Premier League.

United are one of only two sides without a Premier League clean sheet this season, along with Ipswich Town, while nine matches is the longest period they have gone from the start of a top-flight campaign without recording a shutout since 1987.

The last side to finish in the top three of the top flight then fail to keep a clean sheet in their first 10 games of the following season was Liverpool 50 years ago.

Carrick's side have not won in the Premier League since beating Ipswich on 30 August – this match takes place 70 days, or 1,680 hours, after that solitary victory.

United, though, do have a good record against Aston Villa at Old Trafford. They have lost just two of the past 31 home meetings in the Premier League, most recently in 2021-22. Villa have a quick turnaround of their own following their 3-0 defeat at Barcelona on Tuesday, which was their joint-heaviest loss in major European competition.

The Champions League setback highlighted an Achilles heel of Unai Emery's side this season: they have made the most errors leading to goals in all competitions of any Premier League team, along with Sunderland.

Since beating Manchester City in October, Villa have been knocked out of the League Cup at Bournemouth, drawn with Fulham and lost at the Nou Camp, so a rare away win in this fixture would be timely.

Villa won their first Premier League match against United under Emery in November 2022, but that came at home. Emery has never won in nine career attempts at Old Trafford, losing on all five visits with Villa.

Now would be the perfect time to arrest that record as he approaches a 200th Premier League game as a manager.

The 55-year-old will become the fifth Spaniard to reach the milestone after Rafael Benitez, Roberto Martinez, Pep Guardiola, and Mikel Arteta.

Benitez and Arteta's 200th matches also came against United, and both avoided defeats.