Several managers could soon be in the running to take over at Manchester United. GIVEMESPORT sources understand that Michael Carrick will remain in charge for now, but that could change before long.

The Old Trafford boss is expected to be in the dugout for the club's away Premier League clash with Chelsea this weekend, but a poor result could make his position untenable. The Red Devils were thumped 3-0 at home by Bournemouth in their last outing, leaving them on a run of eight games without a win.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is among those linked with the job should Carrick get the sack. With that in mind, his comments and actions at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony were rather interesting.

Unai Emery's Telling Appearance at the 2026 Ballon d'Or Ceremony

The Spaniard was in the running for Men's Coach of the Year, having enjoyed a special season with Villa in 2025/26. Not only did Emery guide his team to Champions League football, finishing fourth in the Premier League, but he also won the Europa League, adding to his impressive list of trophies won as a manager.

This was the Villans' first major European trophy since 1982 and saw the 54-year-old nominated for the Ballon d'Or coaching award alongside Luis de la Fuente, Mikel Arteta, Vincent Kompany and Luis Enrique. Emery would miss out, with De la Fuente scooping the prize after winning the 2026 World Cup with Spain, but it wasn't all bad news for Villa fans.

Many would have been delighted to note that their coach was sporting a special new Aston Villa suit. That's hardly the actions of a man who is ready to jump ship and join Man Utd if an offer comes in. Adding to that, his quotes when speaking to journalist Guillem Balague were also those of a man very happy in his current role.

When asked if it was a new suit, Emery replied: “Yes it is a new suit, it’s an Aston Villa suit.” He added: “I am pleased as it is comfortable and as well it is something that makes us proud.”

On his nomination, he said: “I worked to be here. Of course, grateful to all the coaches that were working with me, all the players that worked with me, and now especially Aston Villa, because Aston Villa is where I am feeling so, so comfortable and well, improving, improving in my career as a coach.”

Emery Would Need a Lot Of Convincing to Join Man Utd

Villa supporters online spotted the comments and were delighted to hear Emery speak so warmly about the club. Despite the links, they felt that he was dropping a big hint that his future did not involve Man Utd.

One wrote: "If that's not Guilleme and Unai's way of saying I'm happy at Villa and I'm staying... I don't know how else they could say it without...." Another added: “'Especially Aston Villa.'” Man's going nowhere."

A third said: "He's not going anywhere." Someone else summed up the mood, noting: "Look at him. He bleeds claret and blue." While a final fan said: "Yeah he deffo ain’t going United lads."

In fairness, it does look as though Emery will remain at Villa Park unless something big changes. GIVEMESPORT understands that he would need a lot of convincing to leave Villa as he's been given significant control in the market. It also wouldn't be a cheap deal for United to complete either, even if Emery did want to make the move to Old Trafford.