‘ONANA BUILDING BETTER UNITED’
UNAI EMERY has told Aston Villa to keep a close eye on two of Manchester United’s unsung heroes.
The Villa boss picked out Brazil defensive midfielder Casemiro and Cameroon keeper Andre Onana, who, he feels, make a big difference.
Emery said: “I need to understand their game plan and qualities – trying to stop them from the goalkeeper onwards because Onana’s build-up is fantastic.
“Luke Shaw is very dangerous and Diogo Dalot is in a good moment. Their wingers are very good. They have a good striker.
“But they are recovering with Casemiro. He’s a stopper. He recovers a lot of balls with his position, defensively. He gives them balance with and without the ball.
“If we are thinking about our important players with those qualities, it would be Boubacar Kamara. But Casemiro is important for them and they have improved with his return and the confidence he is giving the other players, allowing them to be offensive and attack.
“They can do that when they have a player like Casemiro behind them and covering them. For set-pieces also, he’s a very important player.
“He’s scoring goals and he defends set-pieces as well.”
Asked whether it was a proper match-up in midfield with Villa’s own Brazil star Douglas Luiz and Kamara, Emery said: “Yes, but United also have Kobbie Mainoo, Scott Mctominay and Christian Eriksen — all good players.”
On Onana, Emery added: “When the coach signed this keeper, it’s because he believed in his potential to adapt here in the Premier League.
“That’s not easy for any player. With some – and we have cases here as well, like Moussa Diaby – you are trying to support them, give them confidence. Onana’s skills allow Manchester United to be better.”