Aston Villa 'outstanding' in Manchester United defeat, says caretaker boss Eric Black

Aston Villa caretaker boss Eric Black believes his side were "outstanding" in defeat at Manchester United.

Despite Saturday's 1-0 loss at Old Trafford that confirmed their relegation to the Championship and the end of a 28-year stay in the top flight, Black says his players made a step forward towards repaying furious supporters.

"The feeling is one of disappointment with regards to relegation but, what I must say is, on the day, I thought we were outstanding," Black told Sky Sports.

"I thought that, given the energy levels and desire to stick to the game plan, but for a little bit of misfortune, we could have come away with a draw.

"Since I've come in, they've been outstanding. They really have applied themselves. I know there's been a lot of criticism about them, some of it deserved, but today they made a step forward in terms of trying to get something back from the supporters, showing them there is some desire there."

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Villa's recently appointed new board, who have gutted the club of its failing staff, will undergo a comprehensive review of the squad before the next transfer window, as they begin to plan for promotion straight back to the top flight.

Black, who insists he wants to stay and be a part of that fight, believes there are players capable of competing in the Championship already in the squad, while Joleon Lescott has also vowed to fight on.

Black said: "People in certain places will make sure Villa will come back. That process has to start now.

"They've shown they can play in the Premier League, but the Championship is a whole other kettle of fish. There are players in there who are capable of playing in the Championship, but that won't be my decision to make. 

"I did say that, given the size of the club and given the circumstances, it could implode and be anarchy but it's certainly not anywhere near that yet.

"I would like to be part of it. I've enjoyed working at Aston Villa. It's a magnificent football club despite the situation it's in but, again, that's not an important factor at the moment."