Aston Villa 0-1 Man Utd - reaction

1. Man Utd win first two matches of season
2. United yet to concede a goal
3. Januzaj starts and scores winning goal
4. Only three shots on target all match

Shock o'clock

Still here? What are you doing! Barcelona are losing 4-0. Four. Nil. I suggest you hot foot it over to our coverage of that game.

We'll back with our usual Premier League build-up and coverage from 09:00 BST tomorrow. See you then.

Vote result

BBC

This was closer than I thought it would be, with 58.3% of you thinking Louis van Gaal is right to leave David De Gea out of his team at the moment as speculation remains over his future.

We need to talk about Wayne Rooney

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Wayne Rooney's touch map

So what's going on with Wayne Rooney? He failed to have a single shot in the game, and touched the ball once in the Aston Villa area, and that was to clear it out for a throw...

Yeah, better make that 4-0...

Bad night for Barcelona

While we are sitting gabbing about a 1-0 win there's goals galore in the Spanish Super Cup, and not for Barcelona. 

They are losing 3-0 to Athletic Bilbao, and you can follow the rest of that game here.

AP

Quality to come in for Villa

Not the most threatening display from Aston Villa, with Gabriel Agbonlahor mustering their only shot on target. 

Still, they have some quality to come into the side in the shape of Jack Grealish, Carles Gil and new signing Adama Traore. I fancy them to improve.

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For what it is worth, which is not a lot at this stage of the season, here's the top of the Premier League table as it stands. 

Manager reaction

Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood:  "I am disappointed with the result, I thought we nullified them, but it is to be expected, we have a lot of players out there trying to find their feet in English football. We will improve.

"It is hard to judge us against Manchester United, but it was not what I was looking for. We could be a bit more potent in the final third."

And another fan of Friday night football.

"Friday is the best night to play because it is the end of the working week," added Louis van Gaal. "In the evening the atmosphere is always better. 

"The traffic was not so good, it took us one hour to get here, but I like the Friday evening."

Manager reaction

More from Louis van Gaal, on how close Manchester United are to playing the way he wants:  "There is still a long way to go. You cannot expect it with only four weeks preparation. You need more matches to come in the form I think we can show."

Manager reaction

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal:  "The start to the season is better than last year but that is not so difficult. We had one point at this stage and now we have six, so I am very happy."

Juan Mata is a fan though.

"Friday night football is very nice," he said. "If you win you have the whole weekend to watch football and relax."

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Friday night's not alright?

Micah Richards didn't sound too convinced about Friday night football. 

"It felt a bit weird," he said. "Lot my mates came down from Manchester but I'm not sure if they made it because of the trouble on the M6."

Player reaction

Aston Villa captain Micah Richards:  "It is a big pitch, they kept the ball well. We were chasing shadows a little but in the end their quality showed.

"If you look at our team from the beginning of last season to this season there are some really exciting players - good ball players in midfield with power and pace all over. 

"It is exciting times, not the result we wanted tonight but we move on."

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Well, you can't argue with the stats but there is still something not quite there with Manchester United. A bit too ponderous.

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Not that the table counts for anything at this stage of the season, but Manchester United are top for the first time since David Moyes took them there in his first game in charge back at the start of the 2013-14 season.

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FULL-TIME

Not a vintage display by any stretch of the imagination, but Manchester United have won their opening two games of a season for the first time since 2011.

Reuters

First touch in the area for Wayne Rooney...and he clears the ball out for a thrown in.

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Manchester United have the ball but are not in a rush to press forward. They are quite happy to tick away a couple of seconds.

Three minutes of added time are shown on the fourth official's board, just as Idrissa Gueye steams in on Bastian Schweinsteiger, picking up a booking as a result.

EPA

Last minute of the game and Tim Sherwood is patrolling the edge of his technical area, barking out instructions. I can't see where a goal is going to come from for his side.

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Matteo Darmian in my fantasy football team makes me happy. Wayne Rooney as captain makes me sad. Still no touch inside the box for the Manchester United striker.

YELLOW CARD

Matteo Darmian is booked for a foul on Jordan Amavi and the hosts have a free-kick in a good position. Ashley Westwood's delivery is far too close to Sergio Romero. 

SUBSTITUTION

Final change for Manchester United and it is Ashley Young who comes on, replacing Memphis. A few boos greet the ex-Aston Villa man's introduction.

A corner for Aston Villa, surely one for the head of Rudy Gestede? Ashley Westwood fails to find the big man though and instead his corner meets Micah Richards, but United clear.

Reuters

SUBSTITUTION

Time is fast running out for Aston Villa to get something from this game and Tim Sherwood makes his second change, Carlos Sanchez replacing Jordan Veretout.  

Memphis Depay tries to make up for his earlier miss by having a go at goal, scuffing a shot that is easy pickings for Brad Guzan. Second shot on target, though - more than was managed against Tottenham. 

Aston Villa 0-1 Man Utd

Graham Taylor

BBC Radio 5 live

"Memphis Depay really should have scored there. it was one of those misses that will keep him awake at night. You were just waiting for the net to bulge."

YELLOW CARD

Ander Herrera gets the second yellow card of the game as he pulls on Idrissa Gueye's shirt. Moments later, the first chance for Rudy Gestede but he heads wide.

CLOSE!

Juan Mata's display tonight has been a bright spot for Manchester United as the midfielder steals possession just inside the Villa half before feeding a smart ball through the defence for Memphis Depay to run on to. He has to score, surely? Nope, drags his shot wide. Great build up, disappointing finish.

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YELLOW CARD

First yellow card of the evening is flashed Jordan Ayew's way as he tumbles all too easily from a slight brush of the hand by Ander Herrera.

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Some shocking set pieces from Manchester United tonight. After a succession of corners come to nothing, they win a free-kick some 25 yards from goal. Memphis Depay fancies it, but the away fans wish he didn't as he launches the ball high and wide. Poor.

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Some fine dogged persistence by the impressive Morgan Schneiderlin as he keeps the ball in play and then cleverly flicks it to Matteo Darmian. The full-back crosses and tries to find Wayne Rooney but Leandro Bacuna heads behind.

Get in the box!

BBC Sport

It is still not happening for Wayne Rooney, yet to make a single touch inside the box. He has a chance from a Juan Mata corner as the Spaniard tries to pick him out, but he is beaten to the ball by Brad Guzan.

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Rooney was a better player before the natural tenacity he had was drummed out of him. He was liable for a red card or two, but that was made up for in goals and passion.

Sam in Telford

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SUBSTITUTION

Louis van Gaal responds by making changes of his own. Goalscorer Adnan Januzaj departs, along with Michael Carrick. Birthday boy Ander Herrera and Bastian Schweinsteiger to add some fresh legs in midfield.

Reuters

SUBSTITUTION

Villa Park has found its voice and it gets louder as Tim Sherwood decides to introduce his £6m signing Rudy Gestede for Scott Sinclair.

Shot on target! A good start to this half by Aston Villa and Gabriel Agbonlahor wins his side a corner. He strolls back into the box before the ball is fired in and Agbonlahor is there to meet it, powering a header at goal but Sergio Romero is well positioned to make the catch.

AFP

Graham Taylor

BBC Radio 5 live

"Tim Sherwood is now on the touch line which we didn't see hardly all in the first half. I think he's probably had some words with his players at half-time."

Reuters

Long kick by Sergio Romero goes straight to an Aston Villa player and the ball is quickly worked to Jordan Amavi, whose tricky feet sees him work space down the left and he whips the ball into the box. It is a good cross, but there is no Aston Villa player there.

Reuters

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Januzaj and Mata out of position may work against Villa but the real test will be against top 10 opposition.

Simon in Bristol

Bright start to the second half by Aston Villa as Manchester United are immediately put under pressure and Jordan Ayew pounces on a loose ball, turns towards goal but skews his shot over the bar.

That's what Villa need. Well, the build up was, not so much the finish.

Reuters

KICK-OFF

Aston Villa get things back up and running.

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Not since 1995 have Aston Villa beaten Manchester United in the league at home. There's nothing to suggest that run will end tonight.

How long before Rudy Gestede is thrown into the mix? Tim Sherwood suggested before the game he is not ready for the full 90 minutes, but you would think he would cause Daley Blind and Chris Smalling a few more problems.

Super Cup

BBC

Open another window or a tab on your mobile and keep your eye on our Spanish Super Cup coverage. Athletic Bilbao against Barcelona - follow it here.

BBC Sport

Nice sunset over Villa Park, that's about the only positive of Friday night football so far.

The build-up to Adnan Januzaj's goal aside, it has not been the prettiest of matches to watch.

Januzaj's goal came from an interception, the  forward then fed a pass to Memphis Depay, continued his run into the box before finishing from Juan Mata's ball.

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HALF-TIME

Whistle goes and so ends not one of the most memorable halves of football. So far so good for Manchester United.

Reuters

One minute of added time as Aston Villa embark on possibly one last attack before the break, Jordan Veretout whipping a low cross into the area but it is too close to Sergio Romero.

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I'd like to think Friday night football would bring with it a big party atmosphere, end of the working week and all that, but it is a subdued atmosphere at Villa Park. Feels a bit like an early round cup game, rather than a league fixture. 

Manchester United are looking in a good position to keep this lead until half time. Not enough bite to the Villa attack.

AP

Aston Villa still in possession but Manchester United seem quite content to let them have the ball. Ciaran Clark launches the ball forward in an effort to find the run of Jordan Ayew, but Sergio Romero is out quickly to get to the ball first.

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Opta

Manchester United deserve their lead but Aston Villa are pressing a little bit now as they win their first corner of the game, Chris Smalling heading a cross behind.

The ball is sent in and Micah Richards dives for it, rather theatrically, as he appeals for a penalty with Matteo Darmian seemingly all over him. Nothing given.

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First goal since April 2014 for Adnan Januzaj and, if he is to be sold before the transfer window shuts with rumours of Sunderland sniffing around, his price tag has just gone up a bit. 

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GOAL - Aston Villa 0-1 Man Utd

First shot on target, first goal for Manchester United. Great work from Juan Mata as he puts Adnan Januzaj through on the left, Micah Richards races over and slides in but Januzaj keeps his composure to avoid the challenge and drive the ball into the far corner, with the help of a slight deflection.

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Marginally better from the visitors as Adnan Januzaj sends a cross into the area, Memphis Depay stretches to meet it but can't get any direction with his header.

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Wayne Rooney's touch map

Not been a great game so far for Wayne Rooney, who has only had 12 touches of the ball, and none of those where he can do any damage. It has been a poor show all round from the Manchester United attack. Villa look comfortable.

Almost for Aston Villa as Idrissa Gueye tries a cheeky ball through the Manchester United defence from inside the D to send Jordan Ayew clear, but Chris Smalling reads it well and puts his foot on the ball before clearing.

Sweeper keeper moment for Brad Guzan as he storms off his line to deny Memphis Depay getting on to a ball that had rebounded off Michael Carrick. 

Still waiting for our first shot on goal.

Reuters

Aston Villa are caught napping as Memphis Depay flings in a free-kick from the left. It is over everyone's heads but no-one picks up the run of Morgan Schneiderlin at the far post but, luckily for the hosts, the midfielder shoots wide.

Aston Villa, at times, were awful to watch last season but they look good in the opening stages of this game when in possession. Short, sharp passing in an effort to prise open the Manchester United defence, playing the ball back to defence to restart a move if need be. 

The hosts are targeting their attacks mostly down the right flank, but the visitors are having little trouble dealing with them at the moment.

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Aston Villa's touchmap in the opening 10 minutes

First real moment of excitement for the Villa fans as Scott Sinclair plays a smart ball through the Manchester United defence for Jordan Veretout to chase. He picks up the ball in the area but Luke Shaw is quickly on him to snuff out the chance.

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Aston Villa may not have had many opportunities to build attacks of their own just yet, but they are quick to close down the Manchester United players, resulting in a couple of early errors. 

Tim Sherwood is promising the start of a new era tonight and they've made a positive start so far.

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Wayne Rooney lines up at the point of the Manchester United attack with Adnan Januzaj, Memphis Depay and Juan Mata in support. 

A frightening attacking quartet on paper, but United only managed one short on target against Tottenham and will be looking for more bite today.

A solid start at the moment, with the visitors seeing most of the ball, but all the play is in midfield.

KICK-OFF

Will Aston Villa end their two-decade wait for a home league win against Manchester United? Or will the Red Devils' run go on?

It is the visitors who get us under way.

Reuters

Vote

The ground has filled up quickly and out stroll the two teams, kick-off a few minutes away.

By the way, we have just put out a vote, which you can see on this page: Is Louis van Gaal right to leave out David De Gea?

It is close at the moment, so go ahead and share your view.

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Aston Villa's new signing Adama Traore, looking more than a little chilly, dodges the sprinklers to make his way on to the pitch as the 19-year-old winger is introduced to the crowd. Big lad.

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We've got to believe in ourselves. It's a fantastic occasion - Friday night under the lights. We're really looking forward to it"

Tim SherwoodAston Villa manager

Adnan Januzaj showed in preparation some good things and I want to try him in his favourite position: No. 10"

Louis van GaalManchester United manager

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End of days started at Carrow Road?

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Has Ian Wright stumbled on to the plot for the next Terminator movie? 

Here is what he had to say about Cameron Jerome's disallowed goal at the weekend: "If, in years to come, Terminators take over the world and people ask me 'where did it all start?' I will say it was when Cameron Jerome's goal for Norwich was disallowed on the opening day of the 2015-16 season.

"That decision was ridiculous and it really was the beginning of the end for me."

There is something quite magnificent about the image of someone in a post-apocalyptic world seeking out Ian Wright's opinion about how it all came about...

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Manchester United tweeted this picture at around quarter-past. The ground hasn't filled up much more since then.

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Villa Park has a few more fans inside, but still lots of empty seats. 

A few fans have tweeted in that the kick-off should be delayed after the traffic problems on the M6, but not hearing anything to suggest that will be the case with 15 minutes until kick-off.

The FA Cup begins...

BBC

Just 76 days after Arsenal beat Aston Villa in the final, the FA Cup starts again tonight.

Three-hundred-and-sixty-eight non-league sides play in the extra preliminary round this weekend, including the likes of Cadbury Athletic - where Daniel Sturridge started his career - and Sporting Bengal.

Read more about the teams taking part here.

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Kallum Donnelly Liverpool- Always beat Norwich. Recently, we always beat Spurs and Everton. Always lose to Palace and Villa at home (but not away for some reason)/

Alf Wilson As a Chelsea fan I never look forward to Villa or Everton. Our banker is Spurs, only seen them beat us a couple of times in 20 odd years.

David Parry I'm a Newcastle fan, with the exception of Sunday, Southampton seem to be our bogey team, team we usually beat Villa.

New season, new faces

Mourinho stands by criticism

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The new Premier League season has only just started but already there has been a big story from the opening weekend.

Jose Mourinho has been criticised for the way he treat his medical staff, after the Blues boss was angered when Dr Eva Carneiro and physio Jon Fearn left his side with nine men against Swansea on Saturday by treating Eden Hazard.

Carneiro and Fearn will not be on the bench for Sunday's match at Manchester City, and Mourinho said: "That doesn't mean they cannot be in the future. It is my decision."

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Get your predictions in

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If you think you know more than Lawro, then now's your chance to take him on. 

Make your predictions for tonight's and the rest of the weekend's games here.

Lawro predicts

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"I am going to tip United to go to Villa Park and get a win. 

"What Louis van Gaal has got is a team that does not give the opposition many chances and I think they will do enough at the other end too."

Lawro's prediction: 1-2    

Read Lawro's predicitions for all of the weekend's games here.

Team news

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal makes one change from the side which beat Tottenham 1-0 at Old Trafford last weekend as Adnan Januzaj replace Ashley Young, who drops to the bench. 

Sergio Romero continues in goal for the Red Devils with David De Gea not considered for selection by the Dutchman amid uncertainty over his future. 

Aston Villa are unchanged from last week's 1-0 victory at Bournemouth on the opening day which means Jordan Ayew starts in attack with Gabby Agbonlahor. 

New £7m signing Adama Traore from Barcelona will watch the game at Villa Park from the stands.

Man Utd XI:  Romero, Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Shaw, Carrick, Schneiderlin, Mata, Memphis, Januzaj, Rooney.   

Aston Villa XI:  Guzan, Bacuna, Clark, Richards, Amavi, Gueye, Veretout, Westwood, Sinclair, Ayew, Agbonlahor  

A Messi in the making?

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A little bit of Lionel Messi and a little bit of Cristiano Ronaldo.

That is how Tim Sherwood, tongue firmly in cheek, described 19-year-old Adama Traore.

It may be too early to compare him to the best in the world, but Sherwood is expecting big things from the 19-year-old.

“He is a big powerful boy, very quick, dynamic, and a maverick type of player," he says. "You never know what’s going to come out next. Those players are very few and far between.”

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Bogey teams? For Forest look no further than Walsall. Not a sniff of three points or a cup win since 2000. Including this week!

Tom

In my lifetime City's banker team is (as it is in the other half of Manchester!) Aston Villa. Our bogey team is Tottenham but I remember losing quite a lot to Everton!

MHTQ in Manchester

Newcastle United. Banker: Sunderland pre-Di Canio. Bogey: Sunderland post-Di Canio

Will Binks

Packed to the rafters Villa Park isn't at the moment as players go through their pre-match warm-ups. It is early, but lots and lots of empty seats. Because of the traffic problems?

Villa's new era

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Aston Villa's record against Manchester United may make many Villa fans wince, but Tim Sherwood isn't too bothered.

As far as the Villa boss is concerned, tonight marks the start of a new era for the club.

Sherwood has made 10 signings this summer, with the latest being winger Adama Traore from Barcelona.

"It will be packed to the rafters, Friday night football, a wonderful occasion for this football club, and a new era,” Sherwood said.

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Got caught out by the Friday deadline for your Fantasy Football team? If not, I assume you have this man in as your captain? 

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Travel problems near Birmingham

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Not a photo from today (the snow kinda gives that away!)

A word of warning for anyone travelling to the game that the M6 could be very busy. Part of the motorway in Birmingham was closed for several hours in both directions after a lorry crashed. 

According to a tweet from Aston Villa, J6 and J7 in both directions was due to re-open at 18:15 BST, but traffic is still pretty heavy.

I'll drop any further updates in here.

How they have started

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Both teams recorded opening day wins with Manchester United beating Tottenham thanks to Kyle Walker's own goal, while Aston Villa edged Bournemouth 1-0. New signing Rudy Gestede headed in that game's only goal. 

Gestede has scored 20 league goals with his head since August 2013, more than anyone else in the top four divisions.

If he comes on tonight, he will be up against Daley Blind and Chris Smalling. He's taller than both of them...

Coming up on 5 live

BBC Radio 5 Live

BBC Radio 5 live Sport gets under way at 19:00 BST with George Riley joined by John Barnes and Pat Nevin. 

There will be the usual look ahead to the weekend's Premier League action, plus a look back at today's Chelsea news conference with Jose Mourinho. 

With two fine former wingers in Barnes and Nevin in the studio, 5 live will also be discussing the best goalscoring wingers. Tune in and join the debate.

De Gea disappointed

Dan Roan

BBC Sports editor

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"David De Gea is surprised at being left out of Manchester United's team for the first two games of the season.

"Contrary to Louis van Gaal's comments, sources close to De Gea say he never expressed a desire not to play.

"De Gea is not happy to have been made to train with United's reserve team. He will not be considered by manager Van Gaal until the transfer window shuts."

Also, as expected, no David De Gea between the sticks once again as Louis van Gaal leaves him out of the side because of speculation about his future. Sergio Romero, who started last weekend, takes his place in goal.

Breaking team news

A bit of a surprise in the Manchester United line-up as Adnan Januzaj makes his first start since 11 February. He replaces Ashley Young.

Meanwhile, the game has come too soon for Aston Villa's new signing Adama Traore. Rudy Gestede, goal scorer last weekend against Bournemouth, remains on the bench.

BBC Sport

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Who makes it?

Right then, one hour to go until kick-off. Let's have a bit of team news then.

Friday night football - the future

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Oh yeah, I just realised we should probably address the small matter of why this game is on a Friday night.

Because of an English Defence League (EDL) march occurring in Walsall on Saturday afternoon, West Midlands Police asked for this fixture to be moved.

With Manchester United in Champions League action next Tuesday, Sunday was out of the window so Friday was chosen. 

If Friday night football is something you could get used to, then good news! From 2016 it will be a more regular thing.

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Not sure what was worse, the 'you can't win anything with kids' statement, or that rather choice tie. A poor day for Alan Hansen all round.

Simon in Devon

Get Involved #bbcfootball

Everyone's team has them - an opponent they always seem to beat, and one they always lose to. 

With Aston Villa's horrendous home record against Man Utd in mind, we want to know which team is your side's 'banker' for a win and which one is your 'bogey' team?

Let us via #bbcfootball, text in on 81111 (UK only) and have your say on the BBC Sport Match of the Day page.

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Van Gaal wants to banish away day blues

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Louis van Gaal at Villa Park last season, when Man Utd drew 1-1

Manchester United had a great home record last season, winning 14 of their 19 league games at Old Trafford. Away form? Not so good. 

They won just six times on the road, with Villa Park proving a particularly frustrating trip as 10-man Aston Villa held Van Gaal's side to a 1-1 draw.

"The key for success this season is improving away matches," says Van Gaal. "We were one of the best last season at home, third in the league. I wanted to create a fortress at Old Trafford. We did that but away we have to improve and we can improve because last year we were not good."

A time before Grealish

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Born, gone to school, grown up, joined a football club and made his first team debut. Those are just a few of things 19-year-old Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish has done since Villa last beat Manchester United in the league on home soil.

Ian Taylor, Mark Draper and Dwight Yorke were the goalscorers as the Midlands club won 3-1 at Villa Park back on 19 August 1995, an unheralded David Beckham grabbing the consolation for a youthful Manchester United.

Since then, 19 Premier League games have been played between the two at Villa Park, with Manchester United winning 12 of those and drawing the rest.

It is pretty much Manchester United's banker fixture, although Louis Van Gaal might not see it quite that way...

"You can't win anything with kids"

BBC

Almost 20 years ago to the date, Alan Hansen uttered his now famous critique of a young Manchester United side as they lost their opening game of the 1995-96 season to Aston Villa.

Eleven Premier League titles, three FA Cup trophies and two Champions League triumphs later would cement Hansen's "you can't win anything with kids" statement in football folklore.

But those words are not the only reason why that opening fixture is worthy of a mention today. It was also the last time Aston Villa beat Manchester United at home in the league. 

A win for the hosts is long overdue, will it come today?