Unai Emery’s thoughts on replacing Michael Carrick come as a huge compensation fee is announced.
Aston Villa’s manager Unai Emery is one of the names being talked about to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United if he gets sacked – but would Emery actually want the job?
Carrick’s future at United is unsure right now. Reports say the club’s bosses have had a serious meeting and many think Carrick might be fired soon.
After United lost 3-0 to Bournemouth on Sunday (October 25), several coaches have been linked to the job. These include Eddie Howe, who used to manage Newcastle, and Julian Nagelsmann, who has coached Germany and Bayern Munich.
Antonio Conte, who has managed Chelsea, Spurs, Inter, Juventus, and Napoli, recently said the rumors about him coming to United aren’t true.
Among the favourites to take over, Unai Emery is fourth on most betting lists. Many see him as one of the best managers in the Premier League, especially after leading Aston Villa to win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League last year.
Even with the rumors, the 54-year-old Emery is said to be happy and focused on Villa. Reports say United would need to pay around £20 million to get him from Villa.
Emery signed a contract with Villa that lasts until 2029, signing a five-year deal in 2024.
These rumors came after former Liverpool player turned TV expert Jamie Carragher suggested United should make Emery their next manager after Sunday’s match.
“He’s a manager I think about when I think about Manchester United,” Carragher told Sky Sports. “Some people say Emery runs everything at Aston Villa, kind of like how Sir Alex Ferguson did at United. It’s not just about the club, it’s how football clubs work in general.
“I think Emery is the best manager in the Premier League. But he’s amazing in the Europa League, and surely he wants to prove himself in the Champions League, right?
“He wants to win the Champions League, but he can’t do that at Villa. He’s had two tough spells with Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.
“I think he would want the chance to prove himself at one of the biggest clubs in football, even if it’s sad for Villa fans.”
About Carrick, Carragher said: “He needs to be let go immediately — not just for Manchester United’s sake, but for Carrick’s own good. The club needs to make a decision tonight.”
Before Villa, Emery also managed Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Sevilla, and Villarreal.
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