Steve Bruce defiant after Sheffield United thrashing ramps up pressure on Aston Villa boss

Travelling fans chanted “you don’t know what you’re doing” while some even sang “you’re getting sacked in the morning” as Villa, who were watched by new chief executive Christian Purslow, crashed to their worst defeat since relegation from the Premier League in 2016.

A dreadful afternoon at Bramall Lane also saw a small number of fans turn on each other as the atmosphere turned toxic.

Though the defeat was Villa’s first of the Championship campaign, they are now winless in five games in all competitions.

But Bruce said: “You get beat badly, you have to accept the consequences. The social media dinosaur thing will be coming out: ‘You don’t know what you’re doing.’

“Look, I have been four times out of this league and got beaten last year in the play-off final.

“I think that would encourage me that I do know what I am doing. We have had an awful beating and you have to accept the flak which goes with it. It is part and parcel of being at a great club like this one.

“If you get beat heavily and put in a performance then questions are going to be asked.”

Despite frustration in the stands and on social media, Bruce’s position is not thought to be in immediate danger, with Villa’s hierarchy accepting the fact that for now the team remains one in transition.

Yet he will be under increasing pressure to get results when the season resumes at Blackburn on Saturday week.

“As manager of Aston Villa you are always under pressure. You are always a week away from being in a crisis,” said Bruce.

“I understand that. It goes with the territory. When you get thumped - and it is the worst since I have been here.

“You have to accept what it is. The disappointing thing for me, is I always ask of my team, put your boots on. Not enough did on Saturday.”