Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media

Exclusive: Man United set sights on Unai Emery amid Aston Villa unrest

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Published on:

09 Sep 2025, 4:56 am

Unai Emery is a top target for Manchester United amid growing unrest at Aston Villa, sources have told Football Insider

Man United are not actively seeking a replacement for Ruben Amorim and his job is safe for now.

But the 20-time Premier League champions are assessing the market, should they need to make a change of manager.

Emery, 53, is of growing interest at United following a difficult summer at Villa.

The club made little impact in the transfer market and were heavily constrained by the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

Unai Emery managing Aston Villa on the touchline

Villa have had a poor start to the season (Credit: Imago)

Man United impressed by Unai Emery's success at Aston Villa

Emery's reputation among Premier League clubs has been enhanced since he took over at Villa and transformed their fortunes.

The Spaniard replaced Steven Gerrard back in November 2022, with the Midlands giants sitting just three points above the relegation zone at the time.

By the end of the same season, Emery had guided Villa to a Conference League spot, before a fourth-place finish in the following campaign saw them reach the Champions League.

Man United are said to be impressed by the 53-year-old's impact at Villa Park, and he would be high on the club's shortlist if results under Amorim don't improve.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery applauds supporters at Villa Park.

Man United are impressed with Emery (Credit: Imago)

Man United outcast attracting big interest

Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho is attracting interest from a number of top clubs across Europe following his deadline-day loan from Man United to Aston Villa, sources have told Football Insider.

Sancho has one year remaining on his contract at Old Trafford, and the potential of agreeing a free transfer has reignited the high-profile interest.

However, Football Insider revealed on 5 September that Man United could extend Sancho’s deal using the optional extension clause in his contract.

Amorim‘s side are reluctant to lose a high-value asset on a free transfer despite the interest, and hope his time at Villa will earn them a larger transfer fee next year.

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Manchester United

Aston Villa

Unai Emery

Ruben Amorim