Erik ten Hag labelled Manchester United’s 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa as “unacceptable” as Unai Emery enjoyed a dream start to life as Villa boss on Sunday. The Red Devils were unbeaten in nine games before their trip to Birmingham as Ten Hag’s project at Old Trafford was beginning to take shape.

Conceded two early 

But the visitors were blown away in a bright opening from the hosts as Leon Bailey and Lucas Digne struck inside the first 11 minutes. Luke Shaw’s strike deflected off Jacob Ramsey into his own net just before half-time to give United life. But Ramsey restored Villa’s two-goal cushion four minutes into the second half with a cool finish from Ollie Watkins’ cut-back.