Emery off to perfect start as Villa sink Man United

Unai Emery enjoyed a dream start to life in the Aston Villa hotseat as meek Manchester United fell to their first Premier League loss at Villa Park since 1995.

A run of 23 winless home league games against the Red Devils stretching 9,941 days came to an end on Sunday as Steven Gerrard's successor oversaw a 3-1 victory in his first match in charge.

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Leon Bailey struck and Lucas Digne scored a delightful free-kick within the opening 11 minutes at a rocking Villa Park, where Jacob Ramsey atoned for deflecting in a Luke Shaw strike by scoring a fine effort just after half-time for Emery's elated side.

The Spaniard was recently lured back to the Premier League following a successful stint at Villarreal, which included leading them to a first major trophy when defeating United on penalties in the 2021 Europa League final.

Villa Park erupted at the final whistle, just as it had after Bailey burst through to punish lax defending before Digne bent a superb free-kick beyond David De Gea.

Ramsey provided the first goal and earned the foul that led to the second, before inadvertently scoring an own goal when diverting home Shaw's hopeful strike to reduce the deficit before the break.

The Villa talent's impact did not stop there, though, as the 21-year-old rifled home early in the second half to wrap up victory, becoming only the fourth player in Premier League history with a goal, assist and own goal in the same game.

The result ends United's nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions and sets up an interesting reunion in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.

Emery's side will head to Old Trafford full of confidence after this long-awaited home victory against the Red Devils, who fell behind after seven minutes on Sunday.

Victor