Aston Villa publicly back Emery beyond 2029 to shut down Manchester United interest

Aston Villa have moved swiftly to secure Unai Emery’s long-term future, releasing a public statement confirming the Spaniard has held positive talks with club chairman Nassef Sawiris and sporting directors Roberto Olabe and Damian Vidagany, establishing a clear commitment beyond 2029. The announcement comes amid persistent reports linking the 55-year-old with the Manchester United job, with The Telegraph reporting he is in advanced talks over a new deal at Villa Park.

The club’s statement, issued following a working meeting on Wednesday, left little ambiguity: “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.”

Villa added that their objective is “to build an ambitious, competitive Aston Villa capable of taking on the biggest challenges and achievements” — language that signals the club’s ambitions extend well beyond consolidation in the Premier League.

Emery had already signed a five-year contract extension in May 2024, 18 months after joining the club, but the new discussions suggest both parties are intent on extending that arrangement further. Releasing him from his current deal would have cost Manchester United £20 million in compensation.

United remain under scrutiny after winning just two league games all season, though Michael Carrick’s position received a temporary boost following a 3-2 comeback victory over AS Roma on Tuesday. Reports had suggested the upcoming November international break would serve as a review point for Carrick’s future, with a positive result against Villa this weekend potentially buying him more time.

For Villa, the timing of the statement is pointed. Emery’s side arrive at Old Trafford on the back of a difficult week — a 3-0 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League and a draw with Fulham in the Premier League — and will be looking to rediscover form before the international break. A win at Old Trafford would not only lift Villa’s mood but, given the circumstances, could also complicate United’s managerial deliberations further.