Warnock insists Aston Villa will finish in top 4

Former Aston Villa fullback Stephen Warnock remains confident of a top four finish despite defeat at home to Manchester United.

Warnock wrote for BBC Sport: "Aston Villa have now lost three home games in a row in the Premier League and FA Cup but I still believe they will finish in the top four - there is no chance that their season will just fizzle out.

"Sunday's last-gasp defeat by Manchester United will hurt, of course. It was an especially big blow psychologically, because a draw would have maintained the eight-point gap between the two clubs.

"Not only that, it was the second time in the space of a few weeks that Villa have dominated against United for long spells and been beaten. After losing another thrilling game 3-2 at Old Trafford in December, Villa have now seen six points go to a direct rival for a Champions League spot.

Snapshot of the top of the Premier League: 1st Liverpool, 2nd Man City, 3rd Arsenal, 4th Tottenham, 5th Aston Villa & 6th Man Utd

"It is a setback, but I have been following Villa closely all season after spending time with their squad in the United States during the Premier League Summer Series in July, and I am confident they will respond.

"With the organisation I have seen from Unai Emery - his game plan, and the tactical tweaks he makes during games - I still think they will have enough."