Man Utd have weaknesses Aston Villa will target – Smith
Russell Greaves
July 8, 2020 12:06 MYT
July 8, 2020 12:06 MYT
Manchester United have weaknesses that Aston Villa will look to exploit in Thursday's Premier League clash, according to Dean Smith.
The Villa boss feels Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's in-form side, who are chasing a top-four finish, showed some vulnerability even in dismantling Bournemouth 5-2 last time out.
That was United's third Premier League win in a row, a run during which they have scored 11 times, but Smith is feeling confident after seeing his team produce an encouraging display in Sunday's 2-0 loss to champions Liverpool.
Speaking about the challenge of taking on United at Villa Park, Smith identified Bruno Fernandes as a key threat, but cited deficiencies the hosts could target.
10 - Bruno Fernandes (5 goals & 5 assists) has reached 10 goal involvements in his 9th Premier League appearance for Man Utd, the joint-quickest of any player for the club alongside Eric Cantona and Robin van Persie. Stature. pic.twitter.com/IhIUISM8za — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 4, 2020
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"They are a very good team, they have improved," said Smith. "Fernandes is playing very well, they have pace and power up front.
"But they have conceded a couple of goals against Bournemouth. You can see weaknesses in any team.
"We felt there were weaknesses to exploit against Liverpool. So that's our job as coaches to analyse weaknesses, try and exploit them and stifle their strengths as well.
"There is a lot of heart we can take from our performance against Liverpool. We will need that sort of performance again but be better in the final third."
In contrast to United's fine form, Villa have not won in nine top-flight outings, leaving them four points from safety with a game in hand over Watford in 17th.
However, Smith believes his side have shown improvements since action resumed following the coronavirus-enforced shutdown.
Take a look at preparations for #AVLMUN! #AVFC — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 7, 2020
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"Our form in terms of performance levels has been much better since the restart," he said.
"We haven't got the points tally we feel we deserve and probably lack a bit in the final third.
"There's certainly points we have left out there and we should be in a much healthier position.
"The only way we can put that right is on the training ground and in the last five games."