John McGinn is fully focused on Aston Villa’s task ahead of Sunday’s trip to Manchester United – their final outing of the Premier League season.
Victory at Old Trafford could be enough to see the Villans qualify for the Champions League for a second successive season, should other results fall in their favour, having already secured European football for a third year running with a 1-0 win at Bournemouth earlier this month.
The Villa captain insists he and his team-mates are concentrated fully on ensuring their job is done in the north west, to give themselves the best possible chance.
“Everyone’s excited – (it’s) obviously a very interesting last day,” McGinn said.
“There’ll be a lot of movement in the league table, but it’s our job to go into the game fully focused, knowing that three points gives us the best chance to get Champions League football.
“We’re in a good position and what we’ve got to do is just stay focused on our task, win, and then hope for the best.
“All the boys are focused. The run we’ve been on in the Premier League has been amazing so far.
“The position we were in at a certain stage, it didn’t look like European football was possible, so now that we’ve secured European football, it really is a final for us, the last game of the season.
“I don’t think anyone’s getting carried away. I think it probably helps a little bit that it’s out of our hands, so we can just focus on what we need to do and not get distracted by ‘what if’s.”
The Scotland international feels Sunday’s hosts will be out for redemption, having been beaten in the Europa League final earlier this week, and knows Unai Emery’s side will have to be at their best to ensure they come away with the spoils.
McGinn added: “I know Man United have had a bit of disappointment, but at home they’re still a team you need to be wary of, a (place) where we’ve had bad form. I’ve reminded the lads of that, and we’re going to have to be at our best.
“I think they’ll have a point to prove. They’re still a very talented squad. They’ve spent a lot of money on their squad, and I think they’ll be trying to rebuild for next season.
“(After) The obvious disappointment as a player, all you want to do is get back out on the pitch and try and get back to winning ways and prove people wrong.
“We have to be aware that it’s not just as simple as people are trying to say. They’re still a top-class side with world-class players in it. They’ve got potential to hurt us. We need to be on our toes and be ready for it.”
