Manchester United’s most admired managerial target has stayed put. Aston Villa confirmed on Wednesday that Unai Emery will extend his contract beyond 2029 after a working meeting with chairman Nassef Sawiris and the club’s senior football executives.

The new deal supersedes the five-year extension Emery signed in May 2024, which ran to 2029, and is designed to keep him at Villa Park deep into the next decade. A £20m release clause in that contract had reportedly been seen as his clearest route to Old Trafford before the meeting.

“The objective is clear: to build an ambitious, competitive Aston Villa capable of taking on the biggest challenges and achievements,” the club said in an official statement.

Sawiris led the talks alongside president of football operations Roberto Olabe and director of football operations Damian Vidagany. Villa are also planning to extend both executives’ contracts as part of the same restructuring.

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Carrick’s job under renewed pressure

Manchester United sit 17th in the Premier League with seven points, above the relegation zone only on goal difference. Carrick inherited the role after Ruben Amorim was sacked in January 2026, ending the Portuguese coach’s 14-month tenure, and was appointed permanent manager in May.

His position is now due for review during the November international break. Carrick came close to losing the job last week before a 3-2 Champions League comeback against Roma bought him a reprieve.

Howe becomes the name to watch

With Emery out of reach, Eddie Howe at Newcastle has risen to the top of United’s internal list, according to reporting cited by TeamTalk. Julian Nagelsmann, the former Germany and Bayern Munich head coach, and Antonio Conte are also on the list. Newcastle would require around £3m in compensation to release Howe.

For Villa, the extension caps a four-year project that has lifted the club from mid-table into the Champions League places and delivered a first major trophy since 1996. Emery guided the club to the Europa League title in May 2026 and has taken Villa into European competition in each of his completed seasons in charge.

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The two sides meet at Old Trafford on Sunday, 8 November.

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