Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has delivered a significant verdict on Aston Villa's Premier League credentials, insisting Unai Emery's side are fully capable of fighting for the title this season.
Villa's formidable home form sets the stage
The Portuguese manager's comments come ahead of a pivotal Sunday clash at Villa Park, where the hosts are in scintillating form. Aston Villa have won their last nine consecutive home Premier League matches and are targeting a historic tenth against United.
This remarkable run is part of a broader pattern of dominance at their own ground. In 2025, only reigning champions Manchester City have accrued more home points than Villa. Furthermore, Emery's team have suffered the fewest home defeats of any ever-present side in the division this year.
A victory or even a draw on Sunday would see Villa equal a club record, marking their fewest home top-flight losses in a calendar year since 1983, when they were beaten just once in 22 games.
Amorim praises Emery's 'mature' and unflappable side
When asked directly if Villa are genuine contenders for the championship, Amorim was unequivocal in his praise. "Everything can happen. I think they have a manager with a lot of experience," he stated.
"You can see when you watch Villa play, you can sense it's a very mature team. Understands, [Emery] doesn't panic when he's losing. He doesn't feel overwhelmed when he's winning, he can control the emotion all the time."
Amorim concluded with a clear assessment of their potential: "I think they are a very strong team, if they are going to fight until the end [for the title]? I don't know. But they are capable of that."
A daunting historical challenge for Villa
Despite their current prowess, history heavily favours the visitors this weekend. Aston Villa have managed just a single victory in their last 26 Premier League home games against Manchester United.
That solitary win was a 3-1 triumph in November 2022, which coincidentally was Unai Emery's first match in charge of the club. Ending this long-standing poor run against the Red Devils would be a major statement of intent for Villa's ambitions this season.
With Amorim's comments adding further intrigue, Sunday's encounter is set to be a crucial test for both teams in the race for the upper echelons of the Premier League table.
