Natalia Arroyo: “We really want to be a problem for the bigger teams” | OneFootball

Aston Villa manager Natalia Arroyo is keen to get a result against Manchester United this weekend as her team looks to show that they can go toe to toe with the top of the table.  

Villa keen to bounce back

Aston Villa are clearly keen to bounce back from what felt like a loss on matchday seven, but they face one of the most in-form teams in the league this week.

Last weekend Villa dropped points late in the game, as a late equaliser from Kelly Gago secured a point for Everton on the road.

Manchester United have won three of their last four and they are climbing up the WSL table fast.

Despite the challenge set for Saturday afternoon, Natalia Arroyo is keen to prove a point against the Red Devils.

“It’s one of the games where we want to show and say to the league that the Everton game was a bit of a bad performance but we are better than that,” Arroyo said.

“We really want to be a problem for the bigger teams. We are ready, we know it’ll be really hard and we have respect for Manchester United but we are Aston Villa, we want to be the best and we will fight for the three points as always.”

United have won 11 of their 14 head to heads against Villa, and the Clarets have never managed to get three points against United.

Natalia Arroyo praises United

Although she is keen to get a win on Saturday against United, Arroyo isn’t taking the opposition lightly considering their great campaign so far.

“Since I’ve landed here, I’ve really admired how Manchester United have played in and out of possession.” She said. “Out of possession, they’re one of the teams that show things closer to my ideas. It’s not that I’m copying them but I definitely admire the work that Marc [Skinner] and his players are doing.”

Skinner came out in his own conference this week and stated that his side are playing the ‘best football they have ever played’.

“They press in different ways depending on the opportunities that they see when facing opponents. Let’s see how they analyse us and the options that they bring; that has been part of our conversations.” Arroyo continued.

“We need to be ready. We have prepared properly, so let’s see how we start the game.”

Aston Villa vs Manchester United kicks off on Saturday at 12:00pm GMT, at Leigh Sports Village.