15 August 2023 , 11:16
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Sir Alex Ferguson and Gary Neville are expecting big things from Aston Villa this season, despite Unai Emery's side losing 5-1 to Newcastle in their Premier League opener.
Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who is the most successful manager in Premier League history, claimed Villa "played fantastic football and just lost to bad goals" against Newcastle. Speaking on NBC Sports, Ferguson said: "To be honest with you, I watched Aston Villa and I can't believe the scoreline.
"Honestly, Aston Villa played fantastic football and just lost to bad goals.Newcastleare going to be very difficult to beat, in their own ground in particular, and their manager has done a great job there.
"It's a surprising game, football. You can play teams off the pitch and not score - that's what Aston Villa did." And ex-United defender Neville has tipped Villa to secure a top-six finish and qualify for the Europa League ahead of Newcastle.
Neville was making his predictions for the new season on Monday Night Football alongside Jamie Carragher and Karen Carney, who both backed Newcastle to finish sixth instead.
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Explaining his decision, Neville said: "It's bold isn't it. To be honest with you I thought Newcastle were sensational on Saturday, but you're predicting things you don't know are going to happen.
"I think Newcastle could have a really good run in the Champions League and are the type of team that could catch teams off guard. I think the Champions League really does consume you, particularly if you get to the knock out phases.
Villa boss Unai Emery (PA)"Your players' heads turn. We saw Newcastle players' heads turn last season around the Carabao Cup final last season. They're going to have a Carabao Cup final every few weeks in the Champions League."
However, Carragher was quick to brand him a "clown" over his prediction after Neville claimed the Liverpool legend had changed his predictions for who will go down. Carragher tipped Sheffield United, Luton and Burnley to get relegated, prompting Neville to state: "I've just realised, he's got Burnley going down.
"He said Wolves [would go down] about two hours ago. He's changed his mind since they've played today!" Carragher then hit back: "You're the clown who's just watched Newcastle batter Aston Villa and said Aston Villa will finish in fifth!"