Manchester United are on the lookout for a new manager after sacking Ruben Amorim last week and the club are said to have previously made an enquiry over Aston Villa boss Unai Emery
Michael Carrick before the Sky Bet Championship match between Coventry City FC and Middlesbrough FC.
Michael Carrick is the favourite to take over as Manchester United interim manager. (Image: Neal Simpson/Allstar, Getty Images)
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Manchester United reportedly expressed interest in Aston Villa manager Unai Emery before appointing Ruben Amorim last season. The Portuguese coach took over from Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford in November 2024.
However, after a 14-month tenure, he was dismissed by the United board last week, following a heated post-match press conference after the 1-1 Premier League draw with Leeds United.
Since making this decision, United have been searching for a successor. They've decided to install an interim manager until the end of the season, with plans to make a more permanent appointment in the summer.
Caretaker manager Darren Fletcher has overseen the last two matches - a 2-2 draw with Burnley in the Premier League and a 2-1 loss to Brighton in the FA Cup third round.
United are expected to announce an interim appointment ahead of the Premier League match against Manchester City on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off). Michael Carrick is currently the frontrunner to return to the club, with the former Middlesbrough boss engaging in further discussions on Monday.
While progress appears to have been made regarding the interim appointment, there remains uncertainty about who will take charge in the summer. The Daily Mail suggests that Emery could be a potential candidate.
United are understood to have approached Villa about their manager prior to appointing Amorim. Given the ongoing success of the Spanish boss, it's likely that interest remains.
However, 'obstacles' are anticipated in any potential appointment. As expected, Villa will put up a strong fight to retain the manager who has guided them to Champions League qualification.
Unai Emery during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa at Selhurst Park.
Manchester United have been linked with an interest in Aston Villa manager Unai Emery. (Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
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This could make any deal quite costly to finalise. It's also noted that Emery is a manager who prefers full control at a football club.
Amorim's opposition to a lack of autonomy was one of the factors leading to his departure from Old Trafford. Therefore, structural changes at United may be necessary if an appointment of Emery is to be feasible.
The ex-Arsenal boss has been at Villa since taking over from Steven Gerrard in November 2022. He has received acclaim for his work at Villa Park, with the team currently occupying third place in the Premier League table.
Other names linked with a possible permanent move to United this summer include Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, Fulham's Marco Silva and former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez. Reports from Spain suggest the latter might be open to a move to United.