Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has insisted he's happy with his side's draw with Manchester United, despite his side's failure to claim all three points.
The hosts went into the showdown hoping to secure victory, particularly after their epic 1-0 Champions League win over Bayern Munich earlier in the week.
But Villa were far flatter than usual, with Emery's side unable to plunge United into further turmoil.
Speaking after the game, the former Arsenal, PSG and Sevilla boss insisted he was happy with the result.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has insisted he's happy with his side's draw with Manchester United, despite his side's failure to claim all three points
REUTERS
And Emery also insisted that the upcoming international break will benefit his team, too.
"It's not a bad result, playing at home here, but it's not the best," he said.
"How we played, I think the draw is fair for both teams. Maybe in the second half we controlled more than them, but also they hit the crossbar.
"We missed some energy, but I am happy because the draw was not the worst result, and in the second half we corrected some things to control the match.
"Maybe it's because we have some players injured. Bailey is getting better but he's not completely fit. Some other players are also getting better. This is the idea we have.
"Of course to play in the Champions League this week. We tried to play with the same energy and tried to impose ourselves, but we are against Manchester United. The expectation I had of the match is what more or less happened.
"We deserved more from the second half. But I think the result is fair.
"We are in the process of building a team. Ross Barkley played 90 minutes for us. We are managing things better.
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"I am happy. We could be better in the table but we are more or less in the top six but I am happy with what we are doing.
"The international break will be good for rest."
United boss Erik ten Hag, meanwhile, was also satisfied.
The Dutchman, speaking to the BBC, said: "I think the performance of United was very good. Defending and in possession we controlled the game.
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Aston Villa boss Unai Emery feels the upcoming international break will benefit his side following their goalless draw with Man Utd
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"It was in the balance. We created chances but not loads. Also Villa didn't create too many chances. It was balanced. We hit the crossbar, they had a shot blocked.
"We had that resilience, the whole season. We conceded three against Tottenham because we were down to 10 and we still went for the win.
"But for the rest this is our fourth clean sheet. This tells you we are in a good direction.
Aston Villa were unable to beat Man Utd during Sunday's showdown at Villa Park
PA
"Now also we improve defending counter attacks, and we improve controlling possession. But also we have to improve in the final third.
"First of all Rasmus [Hojlund] is returning. When he is up to full speed he will help us.
"But also other players have to take responsibility. I am very pleased with the performance of Rashford, twice he came close to goals. Garnacho has been good all season. But also other players can score, we have to step up in that area."
