Here’s how Man Utd might line up under Unai Emery if he takes over from Michael Carrick and gets full control of the team.
Manchester United are dreaming about Unai Emery becoming their next manager. If that dream comes true, here’s how the team might look under the Spanish coach.
Emery is one of the main candidates to take over from Michael Carrick if he gets sacked. That’s looking more likely after United’s recent struggles, including a 2-0 loss to Chelsea that stretched their winless streak to nine games in all competitions. Carrick will stay in charge for the upcoming Champions League match against Roma on November 3 and the league game against Aston Villa on November 8. After that, the club will decide his future. If they let him go during the international break, hiring Emery would bring excitement ahead of the January transfer window.
To get Emery from Villa Park, United would probably have to pay £20 million in compensation. Emery signed a contract with Villa until 2029, so it won’t be easy to persuade him to leave a club where he’s well-loved. But if United manage it, Emery would likely work hard to reshape the squad in the next transfer windows.
Throughout his career, the 55-year-old has mainly used flexible formations like 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 that adapt depending on whether his team is defending, building play, or attacking. Some players at United would fit well in his system, but Emery would need support from the club to sign the new players he wants.
United need at least four new signings, including three defenders and a striker. Emery would probably change most of the starting lineup, except for the goalkeeper spot. Senne Lammens has shown he’s very reliable since joining from Royal Antwerp for around £18 million in September 2025, so he would keep his place.
In defense, big changes are expected. Lisandro Martinez’s contract ends next summer, and he recently made headlines for the wrong reasons after a tough loss in the Champions League. Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is a top target for United and has the qualities Emery looks for: strong in the air, smart on the ball, and good at reading the game.
Next to Branthwaite, Emery might trust young Leny Yoro, who has been playing out of position this season but was shaping up as a top centre-back under the previous manager. Emery is great at helping young players reach their potential, so Yoro could flourish under him.
At right back, United have struggled to find a steady player, as neither Diogo Dalot nor Noussair Mazraoui have fully convinced. Emery might try to bring Matty Cash from Villa Park. Cash is one of the Premier League’s most consistent full-backs and is a favorite of Emery’s.
On the left side, United could sign Rayan Ait-Nouri on loan from Manchester City. Left back has been a weak spot for United, and Ait-Nouri is known for his attacking runs, something Emery loves in his full-backs. He could also be a long-term option to replace Luke Shaw.
In midfield, Youri Tielemans would be happy to reunite with Emery. He was a key player under Emery at Villa, and while his start at United has been slow, he would be important again in Emery’s 4-2-3-1 setup. Carlos Baleba, a £70 million signing, would keep his spot as the tough midfielder alongside Tielemans.
Bruno Fernandes would play as the free-roaming number 10. Although Fernandes was criticized for speaking out against Carrick’s tactics after a tough Champions League loss, Emery would appreciate his skill—though Fernandes would need to improve his work rate to become a regular starter.
On the wings, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo would continue, but up front, there would be a change. Ollie Watkins, who played for three and a half years under Emery at Villa and was their top Premier League scorer, would lead the attack again. Watkins left for Al-Hilal this summer, but with United needing a striker after Benjamin Sesko’s injury, the England international would bring the goal-scoring power they’re missing.
All in all, if Emery takes over, fans can expect fresh energy and exciting changes at Old Trafford.