Matty Cash is looking forward to fulfilling a childhood dream when Aston Villa play Manchester United on New Year’s Day.
The flying full-back has had his eye on the trip to Old Trafford since he signed for the club from Nottingham Forest in the summer.
And while the absence of fans will detract from the occasion, the 23-year-old is relishing a chance to play at the famous stadium.
He said: “Since I was a young lad I’ve wanted to play at Old Trafford, it’s going to be a fantastic experience.
“It’s one of the fixtures that I looked for after I signed here. The Manchester Uniteds, the Citys, the Chelseas and the Liverpools are the games you look for.
“With fans in, playing there would have been unbelievable with the 75,000 that they get in there.”
Cash will likely be coming up against one of England’s finest attacking talents in Marcus Rashford – someone who the defender is familiar with after a meeting in pre-season.
Villa beat United 1-0 at Villa Park to round off their preparations for the current campaign, but Cash knows a formidable test lies in wait for him and his team.
“They’re a quality side and they have world class players. It’s going to be a different test, fighting for the three points rather than pre-season,” he said.
“I feel like we’re ready for the challenge and looking forward to it. It was my first game for Villa, the week after I signed.
“I was playing against Rashford, so that was a good experience. He flip-flapped it through my legs, so I’ll be keeping my legs shut now.
“We’ve been working hard over the festive period and we’re ready for this one.”
