Man United sent clear message by Aston Villa over snatching Unai Emery

Aston Villa have made clear Unai Emery will not leave the club, with the manager in advanced negotiations over a new long-term contract extension.

Aston Villa have sent a clear message to Manchester United that manager Unai Emery will not be departing Villa Park. The club held a meeting on Wednesday between Emery, chairman Nassef Sawiris, and senior football operations staff to discuss the manager's future.

In a statement, Villa confirmed "positive discussions" had taken place establishing "a clear commitment beyond 2029 for the joint development of the club under the sporting leadership of Unai Emery." According to The Telegraph, Emery is in advanced negotiations over fresh terms at the club, which would end speculation linking him with a potential move to Manchester United—a switch that would have cost United £20 million to trigger his release clause.

Emery signed a five-year contract extension in May 2024, 18 months after arriving at Villa. The 54-year-old has significantly improved the club's fortunes since joining in 2022. Villa travel to Old Trafford on Sunday for a Premier League clash against United.