Unai Emery: Man United eye Aston Villa boss after Alex Ferguson praise

The Spanish tactician, who enjoyed previous spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, has helped solidify Villa as a European contender and one of the top sides in the Premier League, despite having a budget that is often dwarfed by their rivals. Signings such as Morgan Rogers, bought for an initial fee of £8 million, or Youri Tielemans, captured on a free transfer, have become some of the division’s finest operators under Emery’s tutelage, while existing players like John McGinn and Ezri Konsa have enjoyed similar ascensions. Similarly, even United rejects like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have found refuge in Birmingham and seen their form improve with Emery’s guiding hand.

It is a testament to the 54-year-old’s approach, both on and off the pitch, that he is able to consistently extract performances from his squad which are greater than the sum of its cheaply assembled parts. This extends back to his time with Villarreal and Sevilla, where Emery enjoyed unprecedented levels of success in Europe with both clubs, winning the Europa League four times – once with Villarreal, beating United in the final in 2021, and three times on the trot with Sevilla. Sir Alex Ferguson is certainly a fan, with The Athletic revealing the legendary Scot is “known to admire [Emery’s] qualities as a manager” as the Spaniard has been “proposed to United at different stages in the past.

” Similarly, Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City’s former director and confidant of Old Trafford’s chief executive Omar Berrada, is also a supporter of his compatriot’s abilities in the dugout. Now, as per a report by TEAMtalk , Emery is once again on the radar in M16 after being “contacted” by “intermediaries [who] are actively promoting [his] availability” this summer. Real Madrid are understood to also be “closely monitoring” him as Los Blancos conduct their own hunt for a new head coach after caretaker Alvaro Arbeloa has failed to impress since taking the reins from Xabi Alonso midseason.

Villa are not worried Sources at Villa Park indicate their executive structure is “aware” of this growing interest, but “remain confident of retaining their manager” beyond the current campaign. “Emery is under contract until 2029 and the club’s upward trajectory – including the prospect of regular Champions League football – makes an exit far from straightforward, and Villa insist he is staying put. ” The Villans are currently fourth in the table, with the top five teams securing qualification for Europe’s elite competition next season thanks to England’s strong coefficient.