Emery returns big, Villa beat United first time in 27 years

Unai Emery returned to the Premier League in a big way as his first day on the job at Aston Villa saw them beating Manchester United for the first time since 1995.
Goals from Leon Bailey, Lucas Digne and Jacob Ramsey earned Villa a big win , which lifted them up to 14th in table and Emery is keen for them to kick on, with a trip to United in the League Cup next up on Thursday.
The Spaniard said: “I was dreaming of it and I am so happy. The atmosphere was amazing with the supporters and we enjoyed it with them.
“We have played with energy and good skills and we wanted to be united and disciplined. Being together was part of our gameplan and the players did it. It was a special day.”
Bailey fired Villa into a seventh minute lead with Digne scoring a brilliant free-kick soon after to double the advantage. United pulled one back on the stroke of half-time when Luke Shaw’s shot deflected wickedly off Jacob Ramsey but the latter then restored Villa’s two-goal cushion early in the second period.
“The challenge here is to be consistent. Today was so important, after such a long time (not beating United) to do it.
“Now we must stay consistent. We are going to play on Thursday at United and next Sunday at Brighton. Our next challenges are going to be tough,” Emery added.
Manchester United coach Eric ten Hag said the defeat is hard to accept: “It’s not acceptable that you concede a goal so quickly in the second half on the counter.
Our players are experienced. You have to read the game and get the organisation right. Not concede two goals [early in the game] – that’s totally unnecessary.
“You have to win your battles. At the start of the game we could have been better on the ball. It starts with the players following the rules.
“It looked like they [Aston Villa][ were fresher. That’s not acceptable. Players have to take responsibility and be ready.”