CD El Inca Overview

Unai Emery has raised eyebrows across the football world by suggesting that Manchester United currently operate at the same elite level as La Liga champions Barcelona. Despite the Red Devils’ dismal form under Michael Carrick, the Aston Villa manager remains wary of the trip to Old Trafford as he looks to break a personal hoodoo at the Theatre of Dreams.

Aston Villa may have found the most sought-after goalkeeper in world football after Zion Suzuki’s sensational arrival at Villa Park sparked a scramble among Europe's biggest clubs. The Japan international has enjoyed a meteoric rise under Unai Emery, leading heavyweights from the Premier League and the Continent to weigh up record-breaking future bids.

Unai Emery has confirmed talks over a new Aston Villa contract after a "very positive" meeting with chairman Nassef Sawiris, with more discussions planned for next week. The Spaniard has been linked with Manchester United, who Villa face on Sunday after Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League defeat to Barcelona, but says his ambition is to keep growing a "stronger" project at Villa Park.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has called on his players to use their midweek European heroics as a springboard for domestic consistency. Speaking ahead of a high-stakes encounter with Aston Villa, the Red Devils boss also took time to reflect on the immense influence of Sir Alex Ferguson as the club marks a major milestone for the legendary Scotsman.