Steven Gerrard has claimed that he will “prepare” his Aston Villa side for a “different” Manchester United with the Erik ten Hag era now in full swing.
Villa take on the Red Devils later this month in a pre-season friendly in Perth, Australia, as both sides continue their preparations for the 2022/23 campaign. United have already of course been in action after facing fierce rivals Liverpool in Thailand.
The game was Ten Hag’s first opportunity to see his new players in action and the game went perfectly for the Red Devils - goals from Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial, Fred and Facundo Pellistri secured a dominant victory against a much-changed Liverpool side.
United are now set to face Melbourne Victory - and will potentially come up against former player Nani after he penned a contract with the A-League side.
After that, they then face Premier League rivals Villa - a game that will see Gerrard renew his rivalries with United having enjoyed a lengthy and successful stint with fierce rivals Liverpool during his playing career before making the switch into the dugout.
Having taken the time to watch his former side’s thumping at the hands of the Red Devils, he has now given his assessment of their style and how it will be different from last season.
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Speaking to 10 News First, he said: “Manchester United, obviously, the name speaks for itself. They’ve been a rival of mine from a personal point of view for many years.
“New manager and I watched their game against Liverpool. It looks like they’ll have a different style, to be more aggressive and on the front foot. We’ll prepare for that.”
Gerrard, 42, was unable to earn victory against Man United last term after taking the reins at Villa Park following his switch from Scottish giants Rangers. His side lost an FA Cup clash at Old Trafford before then earning a draw in Premier League action just a few days later - goals from Jacob Ramsey and Phillipe Coutinho cancelling out a Bruno Fernandes brace at Villa Park.
Of course, Gerrard also has plenty of history with Man Utd throughout his own playing career. He has detailed how he had the chance to sign for the Red Devils as a youngster.
The former midfielder was also the centre of an infamous incident later on in his career having been introduced in his final match between the two sides only to be sent off seconds later.
Like the Red Devils, his current side Villa also kicked off their pre-season preparations in emphatic style with a straight forward 4-0 win against Walsall. Following the Man Utd clash, they round-off their pre-season with a showdown with French side Rennes before beginning their latest Premier League campaign against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
