Aston Villa boss Unai Emery was proud of his players in defeat at Manchester United on Tuesday night.

United came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 with Rasmus Hojlund scoring the winner.

But Emery insisted: "It was a fantastic 60 minutes, fantastic. We were in control of the game, we played very, very well.

"We were speaking in the dressing room after the first half that if they score one goal it can happen. We have to try to keep being consistent. But we did do that because we created two very good chances. The best chances of the match with Leon Bailey and John McGinn.

"We were fighting and competing very well but we didn't score. And then, twenty minutes they scored three goals. It was their best moment, they are a very good team with good players and playing at home.

"We needed control of the game and try to avoid the the mistakes that we did.

"But it was a fantastic first 60 minutes and it's been a fantastic first 39 points and of course we missed a great opportunity to take the points. But we have to accept and now my only focus is to start the second half of the season against Burnley on Saturday."

He added: "Of course we have to be demanding of ourselves but accepting as well. Playing Manchester United here they can come back in the style that they did. I want to see the match with the first 60 minutes, which was very good, then we have to take experiences. The level we want to get to we have to improve.

"Some of our players already have that experience and of course some of them are now learning and gaining those experiences. Manchester United have more experience than us, more time than us being at the top level.

"in the end disappointed but accepting and understanding overall our first half of the season in context."