Source: Team_Talk
O'Neill: No Old Trafford mental block
Villa will be looking to end a 26-year sequence without an away victory against the Red Devils in Saturday's Premier League clash.[LNB]They have a worthy record against the other established top four sides and this season have already defeated Liverpool at Anfield and Chelsea at Villa Park.[LNB]But O'Neill does not believe his players have to overcome any psychological barriers if they are to get the better of Sir Alex Ferguson's side.[LNB]O'Neill said: "We keep being told we have not won at Old Trafford for 26 years but the whole point is we can't be affected by something that has happened when we have not been involved the majority of the time.[LNB]"In fact, in the last couple of years we have played well enough at Old Trafford to have got something out of the game.[LNB]"I am thinking particularly of an FA Cup tie a couple of years ago when we conceded a very late goal and last season in the league when we played exceptionally well and still lost right at the death.[LNB]"I don't think we have a mental block about going there despite our record at Old Trafford.[LNB]"We definitely have the ingredients and players to do well in the game and we will be going into it with plenty of confidence.[LNB]"We are playing very well at the moment and it is an opportunity for us to try and push on."[LNB]O'Neill knows United will still provide a massive test despite their recent catalogue of injuries.[LNB]He said: "We have beaten Chelsea and Liverpool this season and that gives us added confidence if there is such a thing even though those games were some time ago.[LNB]"Our record against the Championship chasing sides as well as the sides chasing the top four has been good this season - but this is a major test.[LNB]"I am sure some of the United players will return to their proper positions and I am sure people like Rooney, Vidic and Evra will play.[LNB]"But in any case United have not acquired the ability to win things like they have done for the last number of years without having strength in depth."[LNB]Villa central defender James Collins will return to the squad after recovering from injury.[LNB]But he may have a job to dislodge Carlos Cuellar after his recent fine form alongside Richard Dunne.[LNB]Cuellar has warned of the threat that can be posed by revitalised Michael Owen after his hat-trick against Wolfsburg in the Champions League in mid-week.[LNB]Cuellar said: "I think Michael Owen is a top-class player. He is very clever. He always seems to be in the right place inside the box.[LNB]"I played against him when we were both playing in Spain - him for Madrid and me for Osasuna. He didn't score and eventually we lost 1-0 to a David Beckham free-kick.[LNB]"But Owen is a top, top player who will cause problems for the best defenders in the world."[LNB]Cuellar is aware of the inevitable clamour for Owen's recall to the England squad after his mid-week hat-trick against Wolfsburg in the Champions League.[LNB]He said: "I think it's the same scenario as in Spain. Every single game you get a different player score two or three goals or put in a great performance.[LNB]"Spain and England have probably two of the best national teams in the world. Every match you have probably five or six different players making a case to get into the squad. The most important thing is consistency."[LNB]Cuellar also believes United will pose a big threat despite their catalogue of current injuries.[LNB]He said: "I don't think there injury problems will matter because they have a big squad with big players. If one big player doesn't play they have another very good player who can fill in.[LNB]"Every one of their players can cause problems for a defender. The whole Manchester United team can attack.[LNB]"But I think we have a good chance to win because we are in good form at the moment. We are full of confidence and are playing some good stuff.[LNB]"I'm expecting a really high quality game. It will be a tough game and it's a good chance for us to break this record they have over us.[LNB]"I think we are having a good season. We are still in three trophies. The supporters are happy about the way we are playing."[LNB][LNB] Man. Utd 4/9, Draw 10/3, Aston Villa 13/2
