Romano: Man Utd’s ‘ideal’ Carrick replacement is in ‘very advanced’ contract talks
Aston Villa have acted swiftly and decisively to prevent Unai Emery from considering a move to Manchester United.
Despite Wednesday’s dramatic victory over Roma, Michael Carrick isn’t out of the woods just yet. After all, his team still sits in 17th place in the Premier League table.
MUFC could find themselves in the relegation zone by the end of the weekend, especially if they fail to beat Aston Villa away from home.
Aston Villa & Unai Emery closing in on agreement
Sunday’s meeting between the Villans and the Red Devils will be particularly interesting, as it will involve a touchline battle between a manager walking on thin ice and a colleague who has been tipped to replace him.
In recent days, Emery emerged as one of the main names on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist. The Spaniard is highly appreciated among the club’s officials, who consider him the ‘ideal’ profile for the role.
But according to Fabrizio Romano, United’s interest in the 55-year-old raised alarm bells at Aston Villa, who decided to accelerate contract talks.
The Italian journalist believes the Birmingham-based club held an important meeting with Emery and his entourage on Wednesday, and the two parties are now in ‘very advanced negotiations’ and could reach an agreement at any moment.
Villa have seemingly offered the former PSG and Arsenal boss a long-term contract (his current deal is already valid until 2029) and an increased salary.
The head coach is said to be comfortable at Villa, where he enjoys great authority and is always involved in market plans.
How will Man Utd react to Emery blow?
Unfortunately for United, their desired target is seemingly unattainable. INEOS should have known that appointing Emery was always going to be a daunting task given his current allegiance.
Therefore, the club directors would be better off chasing available candidates, like Antonio Conte, Julian Nagelsmann, and Eddie Howe, if they decide to sack Carrick in the middle of the campaign.
Earlier on Thursday, Sky Sports News reported that Man United don’t intend to replace the 45-year-old with an interim coach until the end of the season, so the new manager, whoever he is going to be, should be appointed on a permanent basis.
