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Unai Emery set to commit his future to Aston Villa amid Man United interest

·By Paul Vegas
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Unai Emery set to commit his future to Aston Villa amid Man United interest

Aston Villa/X.com

Unai Emery is close to extending his commitment to Aston Villa beyond 2029, strengthening the club's position amid reported interest from Manchester United.

The Spaniard has transformed Villa since arriving in October 2022, guiding them to Europa League success and Champions League qualification on two occasions. His current contract runs until 2029, but discussions with chairman Nassef Sawiris have now established a commitment to continue working together beyond that date.

Emery met Sawiris on Wednesday, alongside president of football operations Roberto Olabe and director of football operations Damián Vidagany, to discuss the club's long-term direction.

Villa confirmed the meeting in a statement, saying the discussions had established a "clear commitment beyond 2029" under Emery's sporting leadership. The club described the objective as building an ambitious and competitive side capable of challenging at the highest level.

The development is a significant boost for Villa given the recent speculation linking Emery with Manchester United. His name has reportedly been discussed as a possible replacement for Michael Carrick, whose position has come under scrutiny following United's difficult run of results.

Manchester United would also face a substantial financial commitment to prise Emery away from Villa, with his release reportedly valued at close to £20 million.

Other names considered by the Old Trafford hierarchy have reportedly included former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte, Julian Nagelsmann and Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler.

Carrick's immediate future remains uncertain, although United's dramatic 3-2 Champions League victory over Roma on Tuesday ended a nine-match winless run. Emery's Villa are due to visit Old Trafford on Sunday in a potentially important fixture for both managers.

Villa's discussions have also involved Olabe and Vidagany, with both understood to be in talks over contract extensions.

Olabe has played a major role in recruitment, helping reshape the squad alongside Emery after a significant summer of departures. Villa made 10 new signings, including record purchase Nicolas Jackson, as they continued to build a team capable of competing domestically and in Europe.

The club's statement underlined a shared ambition to keep growing over the coming years, with Emery central to that long-term project.