Grealish looks to haunt Manchester United once again on New Year’s Day

The 2020 summer transfer window was nothing short of hectic for Manchester United, as they were routinely linked with Aston Villa’s star man Jack Grealish throughout.

High-flying Manchester United take on Dean Smith’s Aston Villa in a New Year’s Day clash, looking for a win which could see them go joint-top of the Premier League on Friday night.

Last time out at Old Trafford, Villa’s number ten scored a screamer as they clinched a point away from home – one which would later turn out to be a key element in their survival.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer issued a Jack Grealish warning in Thursday’s presser, admitting that his side will have to ‘look out’ for the player.

“He’s a player for Aston Villa and England who has only improved. I don’t want to say too much about other team’s players but, of course, he’s a player we know we have to look out for.”

The Manchester giants were involved with a summer-long saga regarding Grealish’s proposed move to the Theatre of Dreams, before collapsing as the Red Devils brought in Donny van de Beek from Ajax.

The rumours went as far as former Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood claiming that a deal had been agreed to bring the midfielder to the club in July 2020.

“I think Jack Grealish is a deal which is already done,” Sherwood told Premier League Productions. “He’s a player that they [Manchester United] need. I honestly believe there’s only one club for Jack Grealish. I don’t think he can stay at Aston Villa, he needs to progress his career. I think he signs for Manchester United.”

Grealish’s importance to Villa is second to none, with five goals and six assists to his name so far this Premier League season. Dean Smith’s squad have enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign, as they currently sit in fifth place – four points behind opponents Manchester United.

Jack Grealish in the Premier League in 2020:

✅ Fouls won: 1st
✅ Progressive carries made: 1st
✅ Chances created: 2nd
✅ Dribbles completed: 4th
✅ Goal involvements after a progressive carry: 2nd

Been class all year ?#avfc

(stats via: @OptaJoe) pic.twitter.com/wnMatVwlAz

— Oddschanger (@Oddschanger) December 31, 2020

Despite the signing of Van de Beek, Norwegian journalist Fredrik A. Filtvedt, with sources close to Solskjaer, claims Jack Grealish’s dream is to play for Manchester United. Angelo Mangiante of Sky Sports Italy also claims the club haven’t given up their pursuit of the star and is still on their list of targets.

One of the standout players of 2020, the Englishman will look to extend his evergrowing goal and assist tally on Friday night. A win could see the Lions move up to as high as third in the Premier League table – an impressive feat after being on the brink of relegation the previous year.

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