Manchester United are now keen on appointing Aston Villa manager Unai Emery as a replacement for Michael Carrick this summer.
Man Utd eyeing new manager despite win at Stamford Bridge
The Red Devils are eyeing a new manager, despite interim boss Carrick leading his side to an impressive 1-0 victory away at Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, with Matheus Cunha's goal just before half-time proving to be the difference between the two sides.
Following the game, the Englishman made it clear he would like to remain at Old Trafford beyond the end of the campaign, saying: "I love being here. I understand the situation, it's a bit out my hands.
"You want to be parts of nights like this, part of special things, create a team. I haven't got a time frame."
Providing United have a decent end to the season, it would perhaps be a little harsh not to give the 44-year-old the job on a permanent basis, with his side looking increasingly likely to qualify for the Champions League, having moved ten points clear of Chelsea.
Man Utd circling to replace Carrick with Emery
However, INEOS are still running the rule over potential replacements, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Man United are now circling to appoint Emery, with intermediaries now working on a Villa Park exit.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery reacts
Contact has been made with United, who are considering a 'range of candidates', but there could be fierce competition, with Real Madrid keen to take the Spaniard back to his home country.
Given that Villa are in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League, and the 54-year-old is under contract until 2029, it would be difficult for the Red Devils to get a deal over the line, and he is not the only option, with Julian Nagelsmann and Andoni Iraola also of interest.
Chris Wilder is a huge admirer of the Villa boss, who has led his side to the semi-finals of the Europa League this season, with the Sheffield United manager saying: "Unai Emery is a world-class operator with what he's achieved & won in Europe and the standing he has in the game & put that work in Villa really quickly and the majority of us are not surprised in terms of the effect the manager has had on that team."
The ex-Paris Saint-Germain boss certainly has the pedigree to be United manager, having won 11 trophies, across what has been a very successful managerial career, lifting the Ligue 1 title in the 2017-18 season.
Unai Emery's managerial record Matches Points per match
Aston Villa 187 1.84
Villarreal 129 1.78
Arsenal 78 1.85
PSG 114 2.42
Sevilla 205 1.78
Spartak Moscow 26 1.50
Valencia 220 1.72
Almeria 84 1.62
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INEOS are closing in on a decision...