Ikhtisar Vale of Leithen

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.

Unai Emery is on the verge of signing a new long-term contract at Aston Villa, dealing a significant blow to Manchester United. The Spanish head coach has been heavily linked with the Old Trafford dugout as pressure mounts on Michael Carrick, but he now looks ready to commit his future to Villa Park.

Ipswich Town take on Aston Villa in the Premier League. Here’s how you can secure your tickets