After a run of 11 games in the space of just 36 days, it was inevitable that Manchester United were going to experience a bad day at the office at some point.
Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park marked the end of United's impressive nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions, marking their first loss since the derby day humbling at the hands of Manchester City on October 2. While one defeat in ten games is nothing to get too downhearted about, especially when you consider the calibre of opposition United have faced in recent weeks, it was the manner of Sunday's defeat that was the most concerning.
Villa, energised by the arrival of new head coach Unai Emery, were always going to offer a stern test, such was the occasion marking the Spaniard's first game in charge. United, though, did little to help themselves, conceding two poor goals from their point of view to find themselves two goals down within 11 minutes. They were beaten from that moment onwards.
