Unai Emery is in advanced talks over a new Aston Villa deal, a development that could have a direct impact on Manchester United's managerial thinking as the club weighs its next move.
The timing matters because Manchester United beat Roma 3-2 on Tuesday night to end a nine-match winless run in all competitions, but Michael Carrick was clear that one result will not decide his future. After the match, he said it depends on what happens next and that United have to capitalise on the win.
Why the Emery development matters
Emery has been linked with Manchester United as a possible replacement for Carrick, and the report places him on a five-man shortlist. If Aston Villa do complete a new deal, one of United's leading options could become harder to pursue.
There is also a practical issue beyond the contract talks. The report says Emery's preferred working structure may not necessarily fit Manchester United's current setup, which adds another layer to any potential move. That does not remove him from consideration, but it does help explain why the club's decision-makers are looking at more than just reputation or recent success.
Manchester United have a short window
United's hierarchy now have a couple of weeks before the November international break to decide Carrick's future. The club's final match before that break comes against Aston Villa at the weekend, which only adds to the significance of the situation.
Carrick's post-Roma comments suggested the mood inside the camp has improved, especially after the comeback against Roma and the reaction in the second half. He said the team showed a lot of character, praised Youri Tielemans after Carlos Baleba had to go off, and noted that it felt good to see the place positive again.
Still, the broader question remains unchanged: is one comeback enough to shift United's thinking, or will the club continue to explore alternatives? Emery's contract progress at Aston Villa suggests one of the most high-profile names on the shortlist may soon be closer to staying put.
