Morgan Rogers explains key reasons Unai Emery is the ‘perfect’ manager for Aston Villa
Unai Emery has been key to Morgan Rogers’ progression since he joined from Middlesbrough in January 2024.
The 23-year-old joined the Villans in a deal worth around £15million, with Emery personally identifying the forward when preparing for an FA Cup tie against Boro.
He recorded 27 goal involvements across 54 appearances in all competitions, and Rogers’ form attracted attention from Tottenham.
With Emery putting plenty of trust in the England international, Rogers has now explained why he has so much admiration for the Spaniard.
Unai Emery is just what Morgan Rogers needs says the attacker
Rogers earned the PFA Young Player of the Season award last month for his impressive performances last season.
Alongside Ollie Watkins, the pair created a free-flowing partnership that has yet to be seen so far this campaign.
However, Rogers has been impressed by Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott, who arrived on transfer deadline day. The two newcomers could help reignite the Villa attack.
The forward’s latest comments on Emery will relieve any concerns supporters may have about his future at Villa Park.
| Stats | Rogers |
| Matches | 54 |
| Goals | 14 |
| Assists | 16 |
| Minutes played | 4,496 |
Rogers told TalkSport on 6 September: “He just allows me to play football and express myself. He knows that I won’t always get it right or get it perfect, but he just trusts me to a point where he knows I will give it my all.
“If it doesn’t work, then it’s okay, we’ll try again and go to the next game. Having that manager is perfect and just what I needed at this time of my career.”
Morgan Rogers owes Unai Emery a lot
Loyalty is rare in football these days, but Rogers must repay Emery.
The forward owes the Spaniard a lot, after he took a punt on the 23-year-old who was unproven at the time.
- Rogers managed just four Championship goals for Middlesbrough
- The youngster had most of his success in the Carabao Cup, where he managed five goals in six
Rogers had unsuccessful loan spells in the Championship with Bournemouth and Blackpool before joining Middlesbrough.
Even with Boro, he didn’t set the world alight, and the news that Emery was willing to spend so much on someone who was largely unproven came as a surprise.
Therefore, Rogers should replicate the faith that Emery has put in him and not push for a move away in future windows.
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