“They’ve had a poor few days but they will be back, I’ve always said that I don’t see them as title contenders, I see them as trying to get in the top four, top five”- Alan Shearer makes Aston Villa title prediction after Man Utd defeat

Alan Shearer is confident Aston Villa will still have a great season despite their collapse at Manchester United.

Villa led by two goals at the break after an impressive first half at Old Trafford. John McGinn scored from a free-kick after his effort floated past United shot-stopper Andre Onana. Leander Dendoncker then doubled the visitor’s lead by scoring his first goal for the club.

But Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund then helped end Villa’s 10-game unbeaten run in all competitions by spearheading an impressive second-half rally by the hosts. It was all rather deflating for Unai Emery’s men who threatened to go top of the Premier League before Christmas until they were held 1-1 at Villa Park by struggling Sheffield United to end a brilliant run of 15 successive victories.

Villa have had sensational results so far this season, picking up victories against Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City. And Unai Emery’s side are still unbeaten on home soil, despite their Friday-night setback against the Blades.

Discussing Villa’s Old Trafford defeat, Premier League legend and BBC pundit Shearer said he believes they will bounce straight back. “They’ve had a poor few days but they’ve had lots of positive days this season,” he told Match of the Day.

“They will be back, they’ll still have a great season with a great manager. First time this season they lost from a winning position, but they’ll be back.

“I’ve always said that I don’t see them as title contenders, I see them as trying to get in the top four, top five.”

Villa are next in action on Saturday when they play second-from-bottom Burnley at Villa Park (3pm kick-off).