Robbie Savage makes Aston Villa prediction at Man United's expense with bold Tottenham claim
Latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive as Robbie Savage has his say on the Villans' and Manchester United
Robbie Savage believes Aston Villa will finish above Manchester United and that only Tottenham can catch them this season.
The Villans were only five points clear of Erik ten Hag's team last week after United beat Unai Emery's side 2-1 at Villa Park on February 11. But Saturday's 4-2 win over Nottingham Forest, coupled with United's 2-1 loss at home to Fulham has seen the gap increase to eight points.
Villa currently sit fourth and are five points clear of fifth-placed Spurs having played a game more. Both teams face each other on March 10 at B6 in what is likely to be a key game in the race to secure Champions League qualification, although fifth may be enough depending on the performances of English sides in Europe this season.
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And when asked for his verdict on the top four positions, former United academy player Savage was less than enthusiastic on his former club's chances. He also shares his belief that a conversation over manager Erik ten Hag's future may need to happen if the club fail to qualify for Europe's elite competition and win the FA Cup.
“I thought Fulham were brilliant against Manchester United, I didn’t see it coming, especially with the form United have been in, they had momentum and more of a settled team," Savage told Planet Sport Bet’s On Another Planet
“There are now eight points in between Manchester United and those Champions League spots. That is a big margin and I would say that Aston Villa will finish above Manchester United this season. I’d say that the only team that could catch Aston Villa now would be Tottenham Hotspur. “10 losses for Manchester United this season in the league isn’t good enough. If Manchester United can finish in the Champions League places and win the FA Cup, then I’d say that’s an acceptable season. If that doesn’t happen then I’d say there needs to be a conversation about whether Erik ten Hag is the right man for the job.”