October 24th 2024.
In a recent interview, former Aston Villa player Gabby Agbonlahor made some bold statements about the current state of Manchester United and how players may view the two clubs differently. Agbonlahor didn't hold back as he took a swipe at United's new signing, Joshua Zirkzee, claiming that he has been "poor" and can't even control the ball.
The Dutch forward joined United from Bologna this summer for a whopping £36.5m and made a promising debut, scoring a goal against Fulham. However, since then, he has failed to make a significant impact, with only one goal in his first 11 appearances for the club. Agbonlahor, who now works as a football pundit, didn't shy away from expressing his disappointment with Zirkzee's performances so far.
"Everyone was talking about Joshua Zirkzee and how amazing he was, but he can't even control the ball," Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT. "He's had plenty of time to turn things around, but he's been poor since the start of the season."
In addition to criticizing United's new signing, Agbonlahor also claimed that Aston Villa is now a more attractive club for players to join compared to United. He highlighted the fact that Villa is currently in the Champions League, which is every player's dream, and the club is more stable under manager Unai Emery.
"100 percent, players would rather join Villa than United," Agbonlahor declared. "First of all, Aston Villa is in the Champions League. It's every player's dream to play in the Champions League. They are also a more settled club, with no circus going on behind the scenes. It's a healthier environment for players."
Agbonlahor went on to point out that Villa's current position in the Premier League table, sitting at fourth place, is a testament to the club's stability and success under Emery. In contrast, United is currently in 12th place and has been struggling to find their footing this season.
While Villa may not be as big of a club as United, Agbonlahor believes that the current state of the two teams makes Villa a more appealing option for players. He also mentioned the turmoil that has been surrounding United, with constant changes in management and ownership, as another factor that may push players away.
Overall, Agbonlahor's statements shed light on the shifting perceptions of players towards the two clubs and how Villa's recent success may make them a more attractive destination for top talent. Only time will tell if United can turn things around and reclaim their position as one of the most desirable clubs in the world.
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