Jack Grealish handed driving ban after lockdown crash
Manchester United target Jack Grealish told friends he was on his way to Old Trafford back in the summer transfer window, according to reports. The Aston Villa star was unable to help his side get the better of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team in Friday’s Premier League showdown. But the Red Devils remain keen on securing his signature, despite failing to do so last year.
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The England star showed glimpses of his best form against United on Friday but couldn’t prevent his side from slipping to defeat at Old Trafford.
Anthony Martial put the home side in front early on, with the France international converting after some good work from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Bertrand Traore then levelled for Smith’s side, prodding home from close range.
But United picked up all three points courtesy of Bruno Fernandes, who converted a penalty after Paul Pogba was fouled inside the area.
Villa boss Dean Smith was unhappy at the awarding of the penalty, saying: "My view was it was a penalty from where I was stood. I thought Douglas had got too tight with Pogba and he went down.
"But I've just gone in the dressing room and seen it back and there's a lot of doubt. I think he's tripped himself up.
"Similar to Douglas when he was running back in the first half - he tripped himself up."
United legend Gary Neville can’t see his old side pursuing Grealish again because of the fact they already have Pogba, Fernandes and Van de Beek on their books.
"I think it's very unlikely United will go for Jack Grealish as good as he is,” he said.
"You think of Van de Beek, Pogba, Fernandes, the type of players they have.
"There's no doubt there's accusations some time ago about style over substance. But Grealish is now delivering on a far more consistent basis. He's a brilliant player for Aston Villa."
Man Utd beat Aston Villa on Friday with Bruno Fernandes scoring the winner (Image: GETTY)
"I don't want to say too much about other teams' players but of course he's a player we know we have to look for," he said at his pre-match press conference.
"He's a player for Aston Villa and England who has only improved.
“The goal he scored last season was a brilliant goal and we've faced him enough times to know it's going to be a difficult game."
United are next in action against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday (7.45pm).
Villa, meanwhile, lock horns with Liverpool on January 8 in the FA Cup.