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Unai Emery makes frank Man United confession after Sunday clash
Mar 16 2026 14:11 · By onefootball.com · 34 Reads
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery described Manchester United as a team at a “high level” after they beat his side 3-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Michael Carrick and his players bounced back from last week’s loss to Newcastle as they eased to a comfortable win over Villa at Old Trafford.
Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko all got on the scoresheet to help United consolidate third place and remain in the frame to finish within the guaranteed Champions League spots.
The Red Devils are now three points ahead of Villa with eight games left to play.
After the final whistle, Carrick hailed the understanding and ability of his squad , particularly highlighting the likes of Casemiro , Fernandes and Leny Yoro for praise.
Emery also spoke to reporters and complimented United for the incredible levels they showed, admitting that they proved too much for his team.
Emery said on Match of the Day [via the Manchester Evening News ], “Bad result. We played 90 minutes trying to continue in our mentality and the good form we had in Lille, but today was a huge challenge.”
“The first half was equal. In the second half, we started poorly, they dominated more, and we needed to react and try to get control of the game.”
On mistakes costing Villa, Emery answered, “Yes. This is the key. When you can keep the ball and try to stop them with the ball, it’s like we want. In 90 minutes a lot of things happen, some we did fantastic and some we missed momentum. Overall we needed to play smart with our idea.”
The Spanish coach added, “Manchester United are at a high level and to face them today was a huge challenge for us. We are competing and were with the same points.”
“Today, we finish three points behind them. Keep going, we must use the points we had before to try to keep going, keep fighting and keep recovering tactically and with confidence.”
United are next in action on Friday when they go away to Bournemouth.
Feature image Lewis Storey via Getty Images
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