Aston Villa fullback Stephen Warnock doesn't expect former teammate Ashley Young to be jeered by home fans when he visits with Manchester United.

Warnock expects supporters to understand why England international Young opted to join the Red Devils.

He said: "I think Ashley will go down as a modern day great for Villa.

"I wouldn't expect anything less than a good reception for Ashley from our fans.

"He was a great servant to the club but it's not often the Premier League champions and Champions League runners-up want to sign you.

"We're a club who want to progress but Manchester United are at the top and Ashley has aspirations to be a top, top player.

"He has the ability to be one of the best in Europe and I don't think fans can begrudge him that."

Villa are hoping skipper Stiliyan Petrov will be back in contention to face United after he missed the goalless draw at Swansea with a hamstring injury.