Aston Villa have publicly confirmed that Unai Emery is committed to staying beyond his current contract following positive discussions with club chiefs. The Spaniard had been strongly linked with replacing Michael Carrick at Manchester United, but Villa have moved to secure his long-term future.
Club statement confirms commitment
In a transparent club statement, Villa confirmed that a meeting between chairman Nassef Sawiris, Emery, President of Football Operations Roberto Olabe and Director of Football Operations Damian Vidagany took place on Wednesday, with "positive discussions" held.
The update read: "Aston Villa held an important working meeting today to plan the club's future and lay the foundations for its long-term sporting and institutional project."
"The meeting brought together Nassef Sawiris, the club's Chairman and Unai Emery alongside President of Football Operations Roberto Olabe and Director of Football Operations Damian Vidagany."
Contract talks and United interest
Emery signed a five-year contract extension in May 2024, 18 months after joining the club, but it looks as though he plans to remain in charge heading into the next decade. According to The Telegraph, Emery is in advanced talks over a new deal at Villa which would end rumours of a move to United. It would have cost United £20 million to release him from his current contract.
The statement added: "The discussions focused on jointly planning the club's long-term strategic direction, with positive discussions establishing a clear commitment beyond 2029 for the joint development of the club under the sporting leadership of Unai Emery based on the shared ambitions and common goal to reach excellency and keep growing during the next years."
Upcoming clash at Old Trafford
Emery will be at Old Trafford this weekend as United host Villa in Premier League action. A 3-0 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday and a draw with Fulham last Saturday sees Villa head north in need of a positive result before the November international break.
United are still considering a change in the dugout having won just two games all season prior to Tuesday's 3-2 comeback triumph over AS Roma. Villa and Emery now head to a buoyant Old Trafford with another victory likely to keep Carrick in the role beyond the upcoming international break, which is when plans had been made to review his performances.
