Dunne relishing Utd trip

Richard Dunne insists Aston Villa should have no fear about taking on Manchester United at Old Trafford when trying to show they have the credentials to claim a Champions League spot.

Former Manchester City player Dunne experienced the joy of completing a derby double over United two seasons ago under Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Villa have not beaten United in the Barclays Premier League since 1995 and their last success at Old Trafford was 26 years ago.

But Martin O’Neill’s side will face the Red Devils on Saturday with the confidence behind them from having beaten leaders Chelsea and Liverpool already this season.

Dunne said: “We know on any given day that we can beat anyone. We have got a squad full of top quality talent. Nobody should be afraid going into the game on Saturday.

“We all respect and know how good Manchester United are but, if we are to challenge the top four, these are the games we have to go and have the belief to play and impose our game on them.

“Manchester United have a decent record against Villa but this season we just feel a little bit different and we have got tools to win games against the big sides.

“We will give it a really good go and try and prove to Manchester United and the rest of the league that we are here to challenge for that top four.

“From every angle, United can attack. We just have to concentrate on ourselves and we know as a team we have to defend and when we do get opportunities, we have to take them.

“It is going to be everyone fighting for each other.”

Dunne added: “The win in the Carling Cup against Portsmouth and the win over Hull means the confidence is high but we know how tough it is going to Old Trafford.

“My record against United is not bad! I’ve had a few draws and wins but every game I’ve played against them before has been a derby. On Saturday I imagine will be a different atmosphere.

“December is a difficult month for every team with the amount of games. If you can start it well, and get points on the board, it is great and sets you up for what lies ahead.”

O’Neill anticipates a tough test despite United’s injury list which led them to parading Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Park Ji-Sung in their back four against Wolfsburg in the Champions League in midweek.

He said: “If you had listened to Sir Alex Ferguson talking before their European game, he mentioned that the most important thing for him was Saturday’s game against Aston Villa.

“He might not have every single option available to him but he’ll have a lot more options available to him on Saturday, you can guarantee that.

“Manchester United couldn’t have won the number of championships they have without having one of the strongest squads in European football.”