Blumenthaler SV Panoramica

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.

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.