Villa set to hand Emery new deal amid Man Utd links

Aston Villa appear ready to tie Unai Emery down to a new contract, with reports suggesting the move comes amid speculation linking the manager with Manchester United.

The Express & Star reports that there has been a "new Aston Villa deal hint for Unai Emery amid Manchester United talk" (Express & Star), while Birmingham World echoes this, saying Villa "hint at new deal for Unai Emery amid Manchester United speculation" and that the club "look set to extend" his stay (Birmingham World). Both outlets are in agreement on the headline point - that Villa are moving to secure Emery's future just as his name is being mentioned in connection with Old Trafford.

The timing is notable, with Villa News previewing the upcoming trip to face Manchester United, describing it as a "decisive encounter" for both sides this weekend, though with "different objectives" as they head into the game (Villa News). For Villa fans, the prospect of facing the very club their manager has been linked with adds extra intrigue to the fixture.

While neither the Express & Star nor Birmingham World go into detail on the length or terms of any prospective new deal, the clear message from both is that Villa's board are keen to ward off any uncertainty by getting an agreement over the line sooner rather than later (Express & Star) (Birmingham World). It's a reassuring sign for supporters who will want continuity after the progress made under Emery.

With the Manchester United game fast approaching, this contract talk will likely rumble on in the background right up until kick-off. Villa fans will hope any positive resolution on Emery's future gives the squad a lift heading into what Villa News frames as a big occasion at Old Trafford (Villa News).

Written with the help of AI, using the headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.