Aston Villa face Manchester United in our final Premier League game of the season this weekend, and there is an anxious wait to determine if Youri Tielemans will be available.
While it’s a must-win game for us, Villa will also need a result elsewhere to go in our favour if we’re to secure a top-five finish and qualify for the Champions League next season.
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Naturally though, the message from Unai Emery to his players will be clear, and that’s to focus on what we can control and do our part of the job by securing three points at Old Trafford against a side, who despite their problems this season, we have historically struggled against.
It had been hoped that there would be good news on the injury front ahead of the meeting, with Tielemans missing in recent games after suffering a muscle injury while Marcus Rashford is ineligible to face his parent club while he also nurses a hamstring issue.
In his pre-match broadcast media press conference on Friday, Emery wasn’t asked about the latest team news, and so it’s hoped that there will be a more official update ahead of the weekend.
However, as seen in the club’s post below as they paid a fitting tribute to Head Grounds Manager, Steve Harper, as he is set for retirement after 45 years working for the club, Tielemans was spotted in the group photo in his training kit.
Of course, that isn’t an absolute guarantee that he’s recovered and will be passed fit to feature in our season finale, but it’s certainly a more positive sign that he could perhaps be in contention to feature if he’s working alongside his teammates in preparation for the game.
The 28-year-old has been a fundamental presence for Villa all season, making 52 appearances across all competitions, contributing five goals and 10 assists to go with his vital influence in midfield in both phases on a consistent basis.
In turn, it will be such a boost for us if he is able to start or even feature in a limited role as we seek a pivotal win, and so while this is possibly a hint at good news, hopefully there will be official word on the Belgian international in the coming hours.
Steve Harper, Head Grounds Manager at Bodymoor Heath, is retiring today after an incredible 45 years of service to Aston Villa Football Club.
Before overseeing his final training session this morning, Steve was presented with a signed shirt by the players and all the staff at the… pic.twitter.com/1ws524Key9— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 23, 2025
