Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sat 14 March 2026 6:00, UK

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Unai Emery is not expected to be among the main contenders for the Manchester United job despite his record at Aston Villa.

The Spaniard’s effect on the Villans has been transformative, taking them from a struggling side to one competing for the top four spots on a yearly basis.

Emery’s team are still locked in battle to secure Champions League football for next season, with routes through both the Premier League and the Europa League available.

Ironically, it may be interim manager Michael Carrick’s ability to lead the Red Devils above Villa and into the top four which may secure his place as the permanent boss.

The race to be Man United’s next manager is ongoing, although the former midfielder is by far the favourite after a strong start to his tenure.

Jamie Carragher reveals what Unai Emery must do

For some time, Emery’s reputation in the Premier League was tainted by his year in charge of Arsenal.

The former PSG boss had replaced the legendary Arsene Wenger, and was dealing with a bloated squad and unpopular ownership.

After a crushing end to his first season in charge, Emery struggled to find any type of form and was dismissed in 2019, and replaced by Mikel Arteta.

The 54-year-old has managed to flip that reputation on its head with his time at Villa, however.

For much of this season, his side were considered to be in a title race, and they are well on their way to reaching the quarter-final of the Europa League.

Recent difficulties have strained Emery’s relationship with the fans, however, and there have been inklings of a potential fall-out.

Football Insider exclusively revealed last week that Emery’s exit is increasingly likely, with the Spaniard becoming unsettled due to the financial restrictions curtailing the club.

But Man United will not be knocking on his door if he leaves, according to Jamie Carragher.

For The Telegraph on Friday, he wrote: “Emery does not want to be remembered as ‘the Europa League guy’ even after another impressive 1-0 away victory in Lille on Thursday night.

“He may need to keep working miracles at Villa Park – and to reverse the trend giving more power to the director of football – to convince a club of United’s status and wealth to turn him into a Premier League and Champions League winner.”

Emery keen to look forward

Thursday’s win over Lille came courtesy of Ollie Watkins’ second-half goal, and it marked a significant milestone for Emery.

Only two managers in Villa history had recorded 100 wins in charge before Thursday night, with the Spaniard becoming the third to join Joe Mercer and Ron Saunders.

“Everything I did is done,” he told VillaTV after the game. “For me, it’s now the moment, and now the future, and now, of course, with Aston Villa how we can add more victories. And, as well, hopefully success is in the way we are.”

Even if Emery is indeed planning to depart this summer, he will hope to do so having lifted Villa’s first trophy since 1996.