Manchester United are considering hiring Aston Villa manager Unai Emery to replace Michael Carrick, according to reports.
The Old Trafford side are assessing the 54-year-old Spaniard among other candidates ahead of the summer, when they are expected to appoint a permanent manager.
United’s home loss to Leeds is believed to have dealt a major blow to Carrick’s hopes of landing the job on a long-term contract, despite his promising start in charge.
Prior to Monday’s 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford, United had only lost once across Carrick’s first 10 matches in charge, winning seven.
Man Utd Considering Aston Villa Boss Unai Emery
Unai Emery
According to SportsBible, United’s process of hiring a new permanent manager has gathered pace in recent days, with several candidates being assessed.
Emery, as well as Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, are all said to be under consideration.
While the latter three are likely to be available this summer when their respective contracts expire, Emery is under a long-term deal at Villa, running until the summer of 2029.
The ‘world-class’ 54-year-old, who took charge of the West Midlands side in November 2022, was awarded fresh terms in 2024, penning a five-year deal.
Emery, who has been described as 'better than Mikel Arteta', led Villa to a Europa League semi-final this season, where they face Nottingham Forest, after beating Serie A side Bologna 7-1 on aggregate.
Villa are level on 55 points with United, with six games remaining in the Premier League, and both sides are looking to secure their return to the Champions League next season.
Villa are unbeaten under Emery in their last five games in all competitions, with their last loss coming in March, a 3-0 defeat to United at Old Trafford.
Man Utd Hold Morgan Rogers Talks
Morgan Rogers
Amid their interest in Emery, United could also look into a move for one of his Villa players this summer, having held exploratory talks over a potential deal for Morgan Rogers.
The Old Trafford side are believed to be keeping a close eye on the 23-year-old attacker ahead of the transfer window, along with long-standing admirers Chelsea.
Rogers could be on the move despite only signing a new six-year contract with Villa in November, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2031.
Only eight Premier League players have more goal contributions than Rogers’ 13 this season, including United captain Bruno Fernandes, who has 25.
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