Unai Emery’s true feelings about quitting Aston Villa for Man Utd contrary to reports

Unai Emery‘s true feelings about quitting Aston Villa for Man United have been revealed by insiders, contrary to reports.

United’s managerial guessing game has gathered pace, with Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte all being linked as Michael Carrick waits to learn his fate.

REUTERS/Phil Noble

Howe has emerged as Jason Wilcox’s preferred option, according to reports, and the former Newcastle boss would bring the Premier League experience United’s director of football is seeking.

That said, United could owe Newcastle a minimum £3 million in compensation because Howe remains contractually tied to the club despite his summer exit.

Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte are other reported contenders, with reports that the ex-Chelsea and Tottenham manager is on United’s shortlist after leaving Napoli, while Nagelsmann would be keen on the role.

Kieran McKenna has been mentioned by The Guardian, while Ben Jacobs has named Simone Inzaghi and Cesc Fàbregas among coaches admired during United’s succession planning.

Carrick arrived at Carrington on Tuesday morning with his position unresolved after Sunday’s 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth, coming as United 16th and just one point above the relegation places.

Just two wins from 12 competitive matches have left Carrick fighting for his job, with Chelsea next up on Saturday afternoon.

That leaves the club facing a huge call, with another change in the dugout offering no guarantee of an immediate recovery.

Man United given Unai Emery hope as Villa boss could consider move

REUTERS/Gintare Karpaviciute

Now, Emery’s name has come into sharper focus, with Pete Hall reporting that a move from Aston Villa to United might appeal to the Spaniard.

Writing for The i Paper, Hall claims some inside sources believe Emery would be prepared to consider the United job if an opportunity came his way, despite what other reports say.

Several United executives also regard him as their first choice, according to the report, and that offers encouragement over a manager whose work at Villa has made him an attractive option.

There is a different view elsewhere.

Guillem Balague has told talkSPORT that Emery feels valued at Villa and is excited about what lies ahead there.

United have already seen Emery win a major European final at their expense, after his Villarreal side beat them on penalties to lift the Europa League back in 2021, with the tactician repeating that feat at Villa last term.

Villa also have a powerful hand, as Emery signed a contract running until 2029, giving his current employers protection if another club comes calling.

Hall describes him as the costliest candidate and reports concerns inside United over committing more money after the expense of previous managerial changes.

Emery’s latest result showed exactly why rival clubs might be tempted.

Reuters/Paul Childs

Villa beat Man City 2-1 on Saturday, ending City’s perfect start to the league campaign, and it was another reminder of his ability to get a team ready for the biggest tests, even against opponents with greater resources.

For United, that experience would be an obvious attraction while results and confidence are under such heavy strain.

However, Hall’s report stops short of saying Emery wants out or that United have made an approach.