Gary Neville says Manchester United are “still not great” regardless of persevering with their successful run at Aston Villa, whereas Roy Keane says Erik ten Hag’s aspect have “got away with it” of their current outcomes.
Scott McTominay’s late header within the 2-1 victory made it 5 wins and one draw from six matches in all competitions in 2024, with United now 5 factors behind fifth-placed Villa in a serious increase to their Champions League hopes.
Sky Sports activities pundit Neville says United do have what it takes to complete above Villa in fifth, with Tottenham some extent forward of Unai Emery’s aspect in fourth, however has performed down the current revival.
“They can claw it back,” mentioned Neville about United’s Champions League ambitions. “They’ve been appalling in the first half of the season. They’ve lost so many matches it’s untrue.
“In the event that they maintain their gamers match, which is an enormous query mark as a result of it seems to be like they’ve misplaced one other two with [Lisandro] Martinez and [Luke] Shaw up to now week, they’ve an opportunity. Due to course they’re higher after they have their energy of their staff. All groups are after they have their gamers again.
“The entrance three look extra settled with [Marcus] Rashford, [Alejandro] Garnacho and [Rasmus] Hojlund with Bruno Fernandes in behind.
“They’re higher than they have been however they’re nonetheless not nice.
“They concede so many chances, they don’t really have any patterns, they don’t control games or keep possession better than the other teams. But they do have players who can win matches. They are an odd bunch, I’ve said that for a few years, they play in moments during matches.”
In the meantime, Keane says Tottenham and Villa might be “getting worried” about United selecting up outcomes, however provides that Ten Hag’s forwards are getting their defenders “out of jail”.
“United still gave up loads of chances, the problems are still there for them,” Keane mentioned. “They got away with it today, because the attacking players are scoring goals.
“However there is not any shock the quantity of possibilities they provide up, they do it each week. They have away with it in three or 4 weeks. Their attacking gamers are getting them out of jail.
“The key for me is the attacking players are scoring goals. And what they’ve got, which Villa don’t is that momentum.
“For those who’re within the Spurs and Villa dressing room and also you see Man Utd developing behind you, you are going to be anxious. Historical past will play an element, they have the targets.”
Merson: Hojlund might be a famous person
Amongst the targets is United striker Hojlund, who has scored as soon as in every of his final 5 Premier League video games since Boxing Day.
Fellow Sky Sports activities pundit Paul Merson says the Danish ahead, who failed to attain a Premier League aim earlier than Christmas in his debut season, goes to be a “superstar” after overcoming his early United struggles.
“I like him. He’s a young kid, 21 playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. If there was one thing you could bottle up in football, you ask anyone, it’s confidence,” he mentioned.
“In those first 10 games, when he was going without a goal, he was snatching at everything. And he’s got it.
“If that ball [for Hojlund’s opening goal] at Villa is available in firstly of the season, he would’ve hit it as arduous as he may. However he locations it beneath the goalkeeper.
“He’s a good player, I think he will be a superstar.”
Requested about Hojlund’s enchancment, Keane mentioned: “He’s on fire, it took him a few months to get up to speed. He’s part of a settled team now and he’s got confidence.
“I imagine each time he walks on the pitch, he thinks ‘I’ll rating a aim for Man Utd’. It is a good return, contemplating the primary few months he had. He is exhibiting good kind.
“You look at the lack of strikers at Man Utd. So the manager has been forced to play him week in and week out.
“The actual fact he is had to do this, and Ten Hag has had the choice to take him out and provides him a relaxation, is an enormous assist.”
What’s next for Man Utd?
If Manchester United are to make up extra floor on the Champions League-chasing groups, they may have a look at the subsequent few matches with fondness, says Neville.
Ten Hag’s aspect go to Luton subsequent Sunday, stay on Sky Sports activities. Their subsequent league away sport after that could be a daunting journey to title-chasing Manchester Metropolis, however round these video games are dwelling matches to backside half golf equipment Fulham, Everton and Sheffield United.
“That’s a great run of fixtures. If you forget the Man City game, those six games… they don’t deserve anything if they don’t pick up anything against those teams.
“I would not be assured going to Luton subsequent week, however them and Fulham [are winnable]. Each staff will get overwhelmed on the Etihad Stadium however then you’ve got Everton and Sheffield United at dwelling.
“In terms of the league games they’ve got, the four around the City game, you wouldn’t say they’re not favourable.”