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Unai Emery has confirmed talks over a new Aston Villa contract after a "very positive" meeting with chairman Nassef Sawiris, with more discussions planned for next week. The Spaniard has been linked with Manchester United, who Villa face on Sunday after Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League defeat to Barcelona, but says his ambition is to keep growing a "stronger" project at Villa Park.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has called on his players to use their midweek European heroics as a springboard for domestic consistency. Speaking ahead of a high-stakes encounter with Aston Villa, the Red Devils boss also took time to reflect on the immense influence of Sir Alex Ferguson as the club marks a major milestone for the legendary Scotsman.

Jamie Carragher has refused to back away from his controversial assessment of the hierarchy in English football, despite a heated fallout with Aston Villa supporters. The former Liverpool defender previously sparked outrage by suggesting Unai Emery should be targeted by Manchester United, a comment that nearly landed him in a legal battle.

Zion Suzuki has helped Aston Villa to quickly forget about Emi Martinez, Brad Friedel has told GOAL, with the Japan international goalkeeper becoming Unai Emery’s “signing of the season”. There was a World Cup-winning void to be filled in the West Midlands during the summer of 2026, with £30 million ($40m) being invested in recruiting a new No.1.