Gabriel Agbonlahor names incredible Manchester United-Aston Villa combined XI; only 2 Red Devils stars make the cut
Former England international Gabriel Agbonlahor has named just two Red Devils stars in his combined Manchester United-Aston Villa XI.
Earlier this August, Agbonlahor asserted that Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka would start in Aston Villa's setup. However, in a recent discussion on talkSPORT, he has updated his opinion to retain just two players.
Agbonlahor, who made 391 appearances for Aston Villa during his career, included nine Villan stars in his combined XI. He elaborated:
"My team now, I have taken some Manchester United players out. So I have got [Emiliano] Martinez in goal, I have got Matty Cash at right-back. [Ezri] Konsa, has been outstanding at centre-half with [Pau] Torres. Left-back I have got [Lucas] Digne, who is not even my first-choice left-back as [Alex] Moreno is injured!"
Picking his midfield troika and attacking three, Agbonlahor continued:
"Midfield I have gone with Douglas Luiz, John McGinn and [Boubacar] Kamara. On the left, I have gone Rashford and cutting in from the right is Bruno Fernandes, and [Ollie] Watkins up front."
Aston Villa, who finished seventh in the 2022-23 Premier League standings, are in fifth spot in the ongoing domestic season. They are on 19 points from nine games, boasting a goal difference (GD) of +10.
The Red Devils, on the other hand, have struggled to replicate last term's form this campaign. They are currently eighth in the 2023-24 Premier League table with 15 points from nine games, with a GD of -2.
Manchester United faithful should apologise to Harry Maguire, says Gabriel Agbonlahor
Speaking on talkSPORT, Gabriel Agbonlahor asserted that former Manchester United captain Harry Maguire deserves an apology after his recent improved performances. He said:
"First of all, I would like to say that a lot of Manchester United fans owe Harry Maguire an apology. What he has been through, he has had fans booing him, he's been away on pre-season tours and you have got sheep booing him, sheep fans that don't have a clue about football booing him."
Lauding the defender's grit and determination, Agbonlahor concluded:
"He has got through it and said: 'No I am not going to leave, I want to play for Manchester United'. Easier for him to say: 'I'll go to West Ham, get a deal through, no. I am going to stay here and I am going to fight for my position'."
Maguire, 30, was speculated to leave Old Trafford after dropping down in his club's pecking order last campaign. He was linked with a £30 million switch to West Ham United last August, but he opted to stay.
A 60-cap England international, Maguire has been in good form in the recent past. He has helped his team win all three of their last games, keeping one clean sheet and scoring one winner in the process.