Aston Villa's Oldest Starting Lineup Since 2012 Faces Manchester United
Aston Villa's starting eleven against Manchester United on Sunday marked their oldest lineup since February 2012. This raises an intriguing question: were these veteran players as effective as the experienced side that took the field fourteen years ago? Let's journey back to that 2012 team which faced Manchester City and explore the current whereabouts of its memorable members.
Shay Given: From Goalkeeper to Media Analyst
Shay Given guarded the net against his former club, Manchester City, during one of his fifty-three appearances for Aston Villa. Notably, he played every FA Cup match in the club's journey to the 2015 final, playing a pivotal role in the 2-1 semi-final victory over Liverpool. Today, Given is a respected media analyst and pundit, offering expert insights on football broadcasts.
Alan Hutton: The "Scottish Cafu" in Retirement
Affectionately dubbed the "Scottish Cafu" by Villa supporters, Alan Hutton spent the majority of his career at Villa Park, amassing 202 appearances. One of his most iconic moments came in November 2018, when he scored a stunning goal against Birmingham City in the Championship, sprinting from his own half. Hutton now occasionally appears as a pundit for Villa matches and enjoys retirement with his family.
James Collins: From Centre-Half to Podcast Host
James Collins, who adored wearing claret and blue for both West Ham United and Aston Villa, made 108 appearances for Villa. The centre-half scored six times, with a standout performance against Chelsea in October 2009, where he also earned man of the match honors. Collins currently co-hosts the official West Ham podcast "Ironcast," sharing his perspectives on the game.
Richard Dunne: Analyst for Premier League Coverage
Richard Dunne's tenure at Villa was overshadowed by a disagreement with club legend Gordon Cowans in 2011, but he still managed 111 appearances. After joining from Manchester City in 2009, he scored against his former team months later in a 1-1 draw. Dunne now provides analysis for TNT Sports and Virgin Media, covering the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
Carlos Cuellar: "King Carlos" Now a Head Coach
Fans lovingly called Carlos Cuellar "King Carlos" for his versatility in playing both right-back and left-back during his 121 appearances. He delivered a flawless performance in his first Second City derby against Birmingham City in September 2009, which he considers his best at Villa. Cuellar has since earned his UEFA Pro Licence and is the head coach of Spanish fourth-tier club Elche Ilicitano.
Gary Gardner: Academy Graduate Turned Free Agent
Gary Gardner, an Aston Villa academy graduate and lifelong fan, made only 46 appearances due to multiple loan spells before controversially moving to rivals Birmingham City in 2018. His most memorable moment was scoring against Birmingham in a 1-1 Championship draw in October 2016. Gardner has been a free agent since July 2025, after leaving Cambridge United without making an appearance.
Stiliyan Petrov: Cancer Survivor and Broadcaster
Stiliyan Petrov's greatest victory came in 2013 when he overcame acute leukaemia, diagnosed in March 2012, leading to his retirement. As Villa captain, he made 219 appearances, including leading the team in the 2010 League Cup final at Wembley. Petrov now serves as a director for the "Player4Player" foundation and works as a broadcaster and pundit.
Marc Albrighton: From Winger to Academy Coach
Marc Albrighton, a youth academy product, made 102 appearances over six years before achieving the unimaginable with Leicester City. He scored the 20,000th goal in Premier League history for Villa against Arsenal in 2011, donating the £20,000 prize to Acorns children's hospice. Albrighton has returned to Villa as a part-time coach for the academy.
Robbie Keane: Brief Loan to Managerial Role
Robbie Keane joined Villa on a short loan from LA Galaxy to maintain fitness ahead of the 2012 Euros, making seven appearances. He contributed to four goals, including a brace against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Keane is currently the manager of Hungarian side Ferencvaros, competing in the UEFA Europa League.
Emile Heskey: Pundit and Safety Advocate
Emile Heskey, who played for both Birmingham and Villa, joined in 2008 and made 110 appearances, scoring 14 goals before leaving in 2012. He now appears as a TV pundit and is the director of The Football Safety App, which addresses abuse in football.
Darren Bent: Record Signing Turned Radio Presenter
Darren Bent, a former club-record signing, made 72 appearances after joining from Sunderland in 2011. His most notable moment was scoring on his debut against Manchester City in a 1-0 win. Bent is now a radio presenter for talkSPORT, sharing his experiences and analysis with listeners.
