Aston Villa 3, Manchester United 1
New Aston Villa manager Unai Emery guided his team to a first win at Villa Park since 1995 against Manchester United.
Embed from Getty ImagesNot since Match of the Day Pundit Alan Hansen infamously said “You’ll never win anything with kids” had Villa beaten the Reds at home and the new manager bounce under Emery helped the Villans rise to 13th.
The Reds’ nine match unbeaten run since losing 6-3 at the Etihad to City was abruptly ended by a big defeat delivered by Villa thanks to goals by Leon Bailey, Lucas Digne, and Jacob Ramsay.
Ramsay’s own goal just before half time had given United a glimmer of hope but realistically the Reds were second best throughout.
Ramsay admitted that the new manager had given them the confidence to beat Manchester United for the first time in 27 years at Villa Park.
He said: “He gave us confidence and belief, and we got three points against a big team.
And added: “When the new boss came in he gave everyone a clean slate.”
Villa manager Unai Emery insisted that the credit for the win was down to his players, not only the tactical changes he made to his new side.
He said: “The players showed that they were hungry, and showed their emotions.
“The players played in their positions, everyone felt good.
“The shape isn’t important, the players tried to use the spaces where United let us do our job.”
Emery also praised the quality of the home support, adding: “Here at home the energy was amazing. The players feel so good here at home and I want to use this result to take to Old Trafford.
“We have to be demanding, today is the first step but it will be difficult away.
“We will prepare and be calm after this result. Today I felt the fans’ support.”
Erik Ten Hag demands more from United after poor performance at Villa Park
United boss Erik Ten Hag was not just unhappy at the poor defending that meant that Villa scored three goals, he laid the blame equally at the feet of the attackers.
He said: “In the start of the game we could be better on the ball, everyone has to win their battles but they didn’t.
“It wasn’t acceptable, players have to take the responsibility to be ready.
“Our players must not concede two goals, we had to stay on the ball and keep together.
“It’s not acceptable to concede a goal so soon after half time.
”We will analyse the game to be ready for Thursday.”
With Bruno Fernandes suspended for this game it was a massive chance for Donny van de Beek to come in from the cold and stake a claim for more involvement with first team matters.
He continued in the number 10 role while Marcus Rashford started in a wing berth for Fernandes in the only change from United’s 1-0 win over Real Sociedad last Thursday – match winner Alejandro Garnacho was trusted to start again on the opposite flank while Cristiano Ronaldo was handed the captain’s armband in the absence of Harry Maguire and Fernandes.
But United were ambushed by their hosts who were being coached by Unai Emery – the former Arsenal manager who managed Villarreal to an infamous penalty shootout win over United in 2021 – exposed their shortcomings ruthlessly.
Emery, unbeaten in the league in three games against United during his short spell with the Gunners (he lost his sole FA Cup tie against United), galvanised the Villans who blitzed the Reds from the start.
Jacob Ramsay set up Leon Bailey for a 7th minute lead as Villa dominated the first half for possession and intensity against the lacklustre Reds.
Lucas Digne’s free kick doubled the lead with a free kick into the bottom right corner after 11 minutes as Villa turned home their advantage after Luke Shaw had fouled all-action Ramsay.
Manchester United progress stalled after defeat at Aston Villa
United looked all at sea for most of the first half, second best all over the pitch and were lucky not to be four down at the break, but they benefited from a huge slice of luck to haul themselves back into the game.
Luke Shaw’s shot just before half time took a massive deflection off Jacob Ramsay’s back to leave Emi Martinez wrong footed – the unfortunate own goal gave the Reds hope at the end of a humbling first half.
Ramsay soon made up for his own goal when he found the top corner with a big strike after running on to Ollie Watkins’ pass to restore Villa’s two goal advantage four minutes into the second half.
Without the creative input of Fernandes and with van de Beek taken off after failing to impress again, United were unable to break down Villa who were committed to defending the lead with everything they had as well as giving United something to think about going forward.
Ronaldo and Tyrone Mings tangled as tempers frayed – both players were booked for their troubles as VAR decided that no red card was needed.
Ronaldo’s late free kick against a resolute Villa wall summed up United’s afternoon as they sank to a defeat.
The Reds will have a chance to avenge that defeat as soon as Thursday when Villa come to Old Trafford to contest a Carabao Cup third round tie.