Aston Villa have issued a statement confirming Unai Emery's long-term commitment to the club, effectively ending Manchester United's hopes of appointing him. The 54-year-old had been linked as a potential replacement for Michael Carrick, but Villa have made clear he is not leaving.
Villa confirm Emery's future
Villa announced that a meeting on Wednesday brought together chairman Nassef Sawiris, Emery, President of Football Operations Roberto Olabe and Director of Football Operations Damian Vidagany. The club's statement described "positive discussions" establishing a commitment beyond 2029 for the club's development under Emery's sporting leadership.
The statement 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."
United's options narrow
Carrick eased pressure on himself on Tuesday evening as United came from behind to beat AS Roma in the Champions League at Old Trafford. Emery and Villa travel to United next, with that Premier League clash set for Sunday afternoon.
According to The Telegraph, Emery is in advanced negotiations over fresh terms at Villa, which would remove speculation linking him with a switch to United. It would have cost United £20million to trigger his release from his existing deal.
Villa's ambitions
Emery signed a five-year contract extension in May 2024, 18 months after arriving at the club, and appears set to stay well into the next decade. Villa will be looking to respond to a disappointing last two results, with defeat away to Barcelona coming after a 1-1 draw at home to Fulham.
Villa's statement added: "The objective is clear: to build an ambitious, competitive Aston Villa capable of taking on the biggest challenges and achievements." A win for United on Sunday would likely secure Carrick's position beyond the forthcoming international break, when a review of his performance had been scheduled.
