Carver: 'We're Looking Forward To Villa'

By Emily Bulmer

Head coach John Carver insists he and his squad have put last weekend's heavy defeat at Manchester City behind them as they look to bounce back against struggling Aston Villa on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

New Villa manager Tim Sherwood will be searching for his first win since taking charge as his team travel to St. James' Park to face Newcastle United, but the Magpies are also looking for all three points, and the 50-year-old is determined to put things right.

"It's been a long week after that result lats weekend but I've been desperate to get back on the training ground," explained Carver.

"We had a good debrief on Monday with the players but it's gone now, we know where we went wrong and we'll try to put that right this weekend.

"It's only us that can put things right. It's the responsibility of the staff and the players to drive things forward for the fans and for the football club. There's a good camaraderie around the place, everybody's upbeat and we're looking forward to Villa now.

United recorded a goalless draw at Villa Park at the start of the season and currently stand 11th in the Premier League table, ten points above their rivals.

"A win against Villa is important as we've got some big games coming up, there's a bit of pressure but we've got to handle that," continued Carver.

"I've seen the difference in the Villa team since Tim has taken over. He's going from back to front a little bit quicker through (Christian) Benteke now.

"Every game is difficult and Aston Villa will be no different. I know they've been on a long run of poor form but they've got Tim's input now, and he will have different ideas.

"They've got a new lease of life and look to have a lot of energy so it's not going to be an easy game but then again, no game in the Premier League is easy."