Reports said Manchester United admire Aston Villa manager Unai Emery as a possible future manager. Aston Villa do not want to lose him, and the level of control he has at Villa has been described as a potential obstacle.
Before the international break, Manchester United face Roma in the Champions League and Aston Villa at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
United's admiration for Emery
David Ornstein said Manchester United admire Emery. Ornstein said on NBC Sports: "The likes of Conte, Nagelsmann, Howe, you would imagine could be appointed at pretty short notice. So, I don’t think you would need great negotiations in that sense. But with Unai Emery, who definitely has admirers at Manchester United, why wouldn’t you like him? He’s under contract at Aston Villa. There’s no release clause, as I understand it, and Villa have no intention of letting him go. They think he’s happy there and will continue."
Fabrizio Romano reported that important people at Manchester United consider Emery the ideal coach to become the future figure to build the future of Manchester United.
Villa's position
Romano said on his YouTube channel: "As I stand by my information, Manchester United, important people at Manchester United, consider Unai Emery as the ideal coach to become the future figure to build the future of Manchester United. So, he’s super-appreciated by very influential and important people at Manchester United, but we need to respect Aston Villa. We need to take in consideration Aston Villa, and Aston Villa absolutely count on Unai Emery. When I say Aston Villa, I mean, the director, Roberto Olabe, the other director, Damian Vidagany, the chairman, everyone at the club consider Unai Emery absolutely crucial figure for present and future of the club. Unai Emery is in control of everything at Aston Villa. Unai Emery decides also together with the directors about the transfers, so several things, several things being coordinated by Unai Emery. So, Unai is more than a coach, is more than a manager at Aston Villa, and they have no intention to lose Unai Emery, especially mid-season but also in general. They want to continue with Unai, and they trust their process. Then I keep telling you, just telling you how things are. Man Utd consider Unai Emery as a fantastic coach, so that’s the reality. On the other side, there is Aston Villa position."
Potential obstacles
TEAMtalk reported that appointing Emery would be far from straightforward if Manchester United part ways with Michael Carrick. TEAMtalk understands Villa would be expected to work hard to retain Emery.
TEAMtalk reported that Emery has built significant control and authority at Aston Villa. TEAMtalk reported that the difference between Emery's authority at Aston Villa and what he would be likely to have at Manchester United is viewed as a potential stumbling block.
United's current stance
Manchester United have publicly stated they are sticking by Carrick. TEAMtalk reported that Carrick continues as Manchester United manager, while sources have been clear that United are working in the background on alternatives.
