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.
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.
“You have to read the game and get right the organisation. Not concede two goals — that’s totally unnecessary,” said Ten Hag of his side’s start.
“It’s not acceptable that you concede a goal so quickly in the second half on the counter-attack.
“Our players are experienced. You have to win your battles.
“It looked like they were fresher. That’s not acceptable. Players have to take responsibility and be ready.”
United missed the presence of the injured Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Antony, as well as the suspended Bruno Fernandes as defeat leaves them three points adrift of the top four in fifth.