Ex-Aston Villa duo on why Unai Emery was right to snub Manchester United

Andy Townsend insists that Unai Emery has made the right decision to avoid the temptation of joining Manchester United in order to stay at Aston Villa.

Emery was linked with the post at Old Trafford, as Michael Carrick’s job continued to come under growing scrutiny.

Carrick has since been relieved of his duties, although United States head coach and ex-Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino is now poised to succeed him.

And former Villa midfielder Townsend believes that the environment in which Emery has to work at the club must have been a major factor behind his decision to remain in the West Midlands.

‘Unai has worked too hard to build a winning Aston Villa team’

“Unai Emery has worked so hard at Villa over the last few years to transform their fortunes,” Townsend told Betting Lounge.

“While Man United is a huge draw, I know which group of players I'd rather work with at the moment. Unai has complete autonomy at Villa.

“He controls the key areas of the club alongside a close-knit team with Damian Vidagany. It's not a squad of 20 or 30 executives all posturing for position.

“Unai and Damian have a great working relationship with the owners, who are visible and easily accessible.

“At United, you can tell it's a very different set of circumstances. It's a very different environment.

“You can demand things in an interview, but once you get through the door, you find the rules have changed and you can't get your way. It makes it much harder to be successful.

“He's worked too hard to build a winning Aston Villa team, put the club back on the map, and this young squad is showing signs of great things to come.”

Young hails Emery’s success at Villa

Ex-winger Ashley Young, who played for both Villa and United, echoed that sentiment when speaking on the Overlap [via Sky Vegas].

“Although we’ve had managers previously that have said, ‘I’m going to be the one,’ and it’s not happened,” Young said.

“If he does get full control – like you say, Unai Emery went into Aston Villa and literally said, ‘I’m taking full control.

“This is who I want, this is what I want, this is who I want above me, and this is how I’m going to work.’ The owners said, ‘Take it.’ And look at the success they’ve had.

“And look at what they’re still having. This is another thing as well: with the financial fair play rules and stuff, he’s been able to get a team. He’s staying there of course.”