Aston Villa are getting on with securing Unai Emery’s future while Man United continue to wrestle with theirs.
Talks over a new Villa contract are at an advanced stage, according to The Telegraph, with the Spaniard edging towards extending a deal that already runs until 2029.
For supporters tired of hearing his name attached to the Old Trafford job, that is welcome news.
United have considered Emery as a possible replacement for Michael Carrick, but Villa are working to keep the man who has transformed their fortunes.
The club confirmed on Wednesday that chairman Nassef Sawiris had met Emery, Roberto Olabe and Damian Vidagany to discuss the years ahead.
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa record | |
|---|---|
Total | Record |
Competitive matches | 212 |
Wins | 116 |
Draws | 37 |
Defeats | 59 |
Win percentage | 54.7% |
Major trophy won | Europa League, 2025/26 |
Their statement made clear that the plan stretches beyond 2029, with Emery central to what comes next.
Reports also suggest Olabe and Vidagany are discussing extensions, giving Villa a chance to preserve their existing football leadership.
There are still details to settle.
Villa fans can take encouragement from the direction of those talks while waiting for the signatures.
Emery’s side travel to United on Sunday, with Carrick still under scrutiny despite Tuesday’s comeback victory over Roma.
Villa will arrive having suffered their own European setback, losing 3-0 at Barcelona after winning their opening three Champions League fixtures.
That defeat has not altered the board’s view of Emery’s importance, with last season’s Europa League triumph delivering the club’s first major trophy in 30 years.
Freiburg were beaten 3-0 in the final as Villa ended their long wait for silverware, with that success coming after Emery had already taken them back into the Champions League.
Villa went through October unbeaten in the league, taking eight points from four matches and beating Man City along the way.
Aston Villa offer Unai Emery longer deal and pay rise to fend off Man Utd
Keeping the manager responsible for that progress is clearly a priority, and Fabrizio Romano has now explained what Villa’s proposed contract is designed to achieve.
“Aston Villa wanted to show their trust in Unai Emery, their love for Emery, and Aston Villa, that’s a very important point, Aston Villa wanted to stop all the possibilities for Manchester United,” said Romano on his YouTube channel.
“And so Aston Villa on Wednesday after the Barcelona game met, and when I say Aston Villa it’s the chairman involved, the directors Damian Vidagany, Roberto Olabe, with Unai to progress on a new contract, to offer a new contract, an important deal, longer than the current one with a better salary than the current one, giving him the same power, so involved in transfer decisions, exits, incoming targets, ideas, sharing everything.
“The model of Aston Villa works very well because Unai is involved, the chairman is involved. Roberto Olabe and Damian Vidagany do an excellent job. So they are all together.”
His update points towards a pay rise and a longer commitment, with Emery retaining his influence over recruitment. For Villa, protecting that working relationship could be every bit as valuable as extending the contract itself.
Source: www.footballfancast.com
