Heading into this past week's Europa League final, Aston Villa fans debated what would be the best outcome. A Manchester United win could see them complacent, while a loss could leave them shattered. Either way, the task in front of Villa is to secure the three points, regardless of what United may or may not be up to.
While speaking with Villa TV in the lead-up to the fixture, skipper John McGinn spoke on the mental aspect from both perspectives.
For McGinn, he is not going to be willing to overlook United. Despite their being in 16th place in the Premier League, the Scotland international mentioned how a competitor simply wants the soonest available chance to put a bad performance aside.
If an inspired Ruben Amorim side comes out and the youngsters look to make their case for a more permanent role in the starting XI, it could be a fierce battle at Old Trafford. More likely than not, however, based on what everyone witnessed in Bilbao and how their season as a whole has unfolded, McGinn's words are being overcharitable.
For Villa, however, it is the correct approach. Too many times, a team that is favored can overlook the opposition and take the pitch as if they have already won on the day. This is the exact sort of thing that AVFC will look to avoid on Sunday.
Perfect end possible to Aston Villa season
The fixture also serves as a chance to push for league-wide justice. McGinn also mentioned the known 'big six' comments made by the club's director of football operations, Damian Vidagany. While one match will not dictate or mean too much in the overall grand scheme of things, it would be a symbolic end for Villa to get the win and give United one final dose of misery in front of their fans to end the year.
Champions League is at stake, and the players know what will be needed in order to ensure that Sunday's result goes their way. As a final sting to one of the assumed big six clubs, grabbing the win at Old Trafford and orchestrating the ensuing boos that would certainly come from the crowd would be a tremendous way to end the 2024-2025 campaign.