Video: Aston Villa 3-1 Man Utd - Unai Emery’s Amazing Debut

The Spaniard, taking charge for the first time since replacing Steven Gerrard at the end of last month, guided his new side to their first win at home to the Red Devils in any competition for 23 years.

It was their first Premier League win against Manchester United at Villa Park since 1995 - the match that prompted Alan Hansen to famously say about United's up-and-coming side: "You can't win anything with kids."

Those kids have long since grown up, had illustrious careers and retired, underlining just how long the home fans have waited for this.

Sunday's 3-1 victory has been long overdue for Villa, but Emery has made a big impact in a short space of time.

"Good times could be coming back for Aston Villa," said former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison, who was watching the game for BBC Radio 5 Live.

"You always get the bounce, but this feels different."

There was certainly something different in the air in the build-up to this match.

While the weather was miserable, the mood was buoyant, despite Villa starting the day only outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

The appointment of Emery had clearly been welcomed by most Villa fans, and when he made his way to the dugout before kick off he was greeted by loud applause.

There may have been an element of new manager bounce as Villa raced into an incredible two-goal lead, but after that there were still 80 minutes to navigate and they did so superbly, with Emery adjusting his tactics to prevent the visitors from getting a foothold on the game.

"Huge credit to Emery and the players, they adapted so well," added Morrison. "Emery tactically got it spot on. Aston Villa's shape was brilliant."

Afterwards, the former Arsenal and Villarreal boss said: "I am so happy. We have players with energy, with quick skills, and we wanted to be disciplined, and I think being together with our gameplan the players did it. It was a special day today."