Eddie Howe's two red lines for Man Utd job with Emery out of reach

Emery's decision to extend at Villa clears the way for Howe to become United's top managerial target, though he has set conditions around recruitment control and club structure.

Unai Emery's commitment to a long-term deal at Aston Villa has opened the door for Eddie Howe to emerge as Manchester United's leading candidate should they decide to change manager during the international break.

Howe is understood to be willing to discuss the role with United's hierarchy if a vacancy arises, but sources stress he is not actively pursuing the job and there have been no recent talks. A split in United's boardroom over whether to replace Michael Carrick has given the interim manager a reprieve, though a defeat to Villa on Sunday could force the issue.

Howe has set two key conditions: he wants final say over recruitment and clarity on Manchester United's power structure. He is also aware of his unpopularity with some United fans and is in no rush to return to management after his break from Newcastle. While the United job would be a natural fit alongside the England role, Howe would need assurances that the club is ready to back him fully in a wholesale rebuild.