It seems like this is by design, the workaround is to install xserver- xorg-legacy.
See https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=802544 And http://sources.debian.net/src/xorg-server/2:1.19.3-1/debian/xserver-xorg-core.NEWS/?hl=15#L15 ** Bug watch added: Debian Bug tracker #802544 http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=802544 -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu-X, which is subscribed to xorg in Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1584300 Title: X can't be started without login manager To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/xorg/+bug/1584300/+subscriptions _______________________________________________ Mailing list: https://launchpad.net/~ubuntu-x-swat Post to : ubuntu-x-swat@lists.launchpad.net Unsubscribe : https://launchpad.net/~ubuntu-x-swat More help : https://help.launchpad.net/ListHelp
