Man Utd’s top four rivals Aston Villa dealt huge blow after losing Boubacar Kamara to ‘significant’ knee injury in clash against Red Devils

Unai Emery's men missed the chance to extend their advantage over the Red Devils on Sunday as they slipped to a 2-1 home defeat. Now, the Villans have revealed that the Frenchman, who came off in the 65th minute of the contest, has picked up a serious knee ligament injury after undergoing a scan on Monday morning. The club say the 24-year-old will have a further consultation with a knee specialist soon.

Villa's loss saw Tottenham leapfrog Unai Emery's team into fourth in the table, with United five points back in sixth. Now, with key midfielder Kamara likely to be on the sidelines for an extended period, this makes the Villans' task of finishing in the top four - and a guaranteed Champions League qualification spot - that bit harder.

Kamara, who has made 30 appearances for Villa this season, was likened to Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer as a teenager. The former Marseille star has impressed since moving to Villa Park on a free transfer back in 2022 on a five-year deal.

Villa, who sit eight points behind league leaders Liverpool, are back in Premier League action away to mid-table Fulham next Saturday. That is followed by a home clash against relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest on February 24.