The Reds were done by two superb Morgan Rogers strikes, despite Matheus Cunha’s reply, and, while accepting the result will be the only thing that counts, our head coach could definitely see positives in the way his side dealt with trying circumstances.
Already without Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui, Casemiro, Amad and Bryan Mbeumo, there was another blow before kick-off when it was revealed Kobbie Mainoo was unavailable due to injury.
To compound matters, skipper Bruno Fernandes did not reappear for the second half after clearly looking in a great deal of discomfort.
It all led to senior debuts for Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey, earning congratulations from Ruben, but it is all about preparing for Newcastle United on Boxing Day now.
Here is some of what the boss had to say to BBC, Sky Sports and MUTV after the game at Villa Park…
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