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Unai Emery explains why Man United lost to Aston Villa with tactical observation.
The New Aston Villa Head Coach Unai Emery has revealed how Aston Villa targeted the spaces on the pitch that Manchester United left open.
Emery just took over as Steven Gerrard’s replacement at Villa Park. On Sunday, he successfully led the team to victory by easily defeating United 3-1 with goals from Leon Bailey, Lucas Digne, and Jacob Ramsey.
Just before halftime, an own goal by Jacob Ramsey cut Aston Villa’s lead in half, but by the 50th, the hosts were back up by two goals.
The Red Devils were undefeated in nine fixtures prior to the weekend and the manner of the display was unexpected.
Emery, who inspired Villarreal to defeat United in the Europa League final in Gdansk in the 2020/21 campaign, was asked about his team’s performance after the game and he praised his players for their reaction in training to his appointment.
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The Spanish coach also discussed his side’s formation and said targeting the space that United left behind was more important.
“I think the players showed us they were hungry, they were feeling good emotions, thinking about our match today [in training] and they did a very good job,” Emery said when asked about his first week in charge of Aston Villa.
“They played in their positions and I want them to feel good playing with their characteristics and skills. The shape for me is not so important, but we tried to use the spaces where Manchester United maybe let us do our job.
“Here at home, the supporters help the team a lot and the energy was amazing. They transmit to us and the response is playing in good spaces, with a good rhythm. I think the players feel so good at home and I want to use this result [as momentum].
Manchester United will meet Villa again in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford on Thursday.