Pundit issues ‘huge’ Aston Villa claim amid under-the-radar development – ‘people don’t realise’
Aston Villa could “fly” in the second half of the season if they play their cards right during the World Cup break.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Unai Emery’s start to life at Villa.
Aston Villa beat Brighton 2-1 on Sunday (13 November), making it two wins from two in the Premier League for Emery.
The former Villarreal boss now has six weeks to work with his squad before the Premier League resumes.
McManus claims Villa will improve no end during the break, setting them up for a successful second half of the season.
“If you think about Villa, they are two wins from two under Emery in the league,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“That’s against Man United and Brighton, that’s two very hard games and they have got six points. How long has Emery had with those players? A few days?
“Just think about how he will have them playing after he has pretty much had a pre-season with them. Most of their players aren’t going to the World Cup.
“I don’t think people realise how big this is for them. Emery is a fantastic manager and he now has six weeks, maybe five after the players have a week off, to work with this squad and get them playing a whole new way.
“They are only going to improve then they are going to go into the market in January.
“It’s a huge few weeks for the club and if they get it right then they could fly in the second half of the season.”
In other news, Aston Villa may be ready to rip up Philippe Coutinho’s contract after a major reveal.