Aston Villa's Stephen Ireland has admitted that he is a closet Manchester United supporter.

The former Manchester City midfielder revealed that it was his "dream" to play for the Red Devils, but he chose their rivals for the chance of first-team football.

"I was a United fan when I was growing up, as it was in my family," The Mirror quotes him as saying. "I had a trial with United and there was a chance I might go there.

"It was always my dream to play for United, but I felt it was the right decision to join City. I felt I had a better chance of getting in the first team there.

"When I was in City's youth teams I got extra nervous playing against them, and even now I still do."

Villa are in Premier League action against United at Old Trafford on Sunday.