Former Aston Villa sporting director Monchi has shared his verdict on Unai Emery potentially leaving the Midlands club for Manchester United.
Although Michael Carrick has done a terrific job as Manchester United head coach since returning to the club in January, there is still plenty of talk about other candidates taking the permanent job at Old Trafford.
It was suggested earlier this week that Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann was keen on the job, even though United are supposedly prioritising options with Premier League experience.
Carrick will hope to strengthen his case for his dream position by ensuring that United finish the season strongly and qualify for the Champions League.
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Unai Emery and Monchi
Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
Monchi believes Unai Emery would succeed at Man Utd
Although Monchi was a goalkeeper for Sevilla between 1990 and 1999, the 57-year-old is primarily known for his role as a sporting director.
Monchi enjoyed a lot of success at Sevilla where he built a strong working relationship with Unai Emery, before working together again at Aston Villa.
Granted, Monchi has moved on from Villa, he still keeps a close eye on his former clubs.
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Emery has done a good job at Villa as they remain in contention for a place in the top four, but Monchi believes there is no rush to leave Villa Park.
Monchi believes Emery proved he can operate at a big club, having done so at Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, though his time at the Emirates was far from a success.
“He was already at PSG and Arsenal. I don’t know if there is a higher level than PSG and Arsenal,” Monchi said on Mundo Maldini YouTube channel.
“But if you tell me he’s going to be at Madrid, Barcelona, or even United, I don’t know. I know he’s happy in Birmingham, he’s happy at Aston Villa, but he is capable of coaching a world-class team, he’s already done it, and he can definitely do it again.”
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Michael Carrick instructs his players during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park in 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Unai Emery spent 18 months at Arsenal
Emery had a rollercoaster ride at Arsenal which lasted 18 months.
After losing his first two games against Man City and Chelsea, Emery led Arsenal on a 22-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
The first season ended in heartbreak as they finished in 5th, one point behind Tottenham and ultimately missed out on a place in the Champions League.
They also reached the Europa League final before losing 4-1 against Chelsea.
A seven-match winless run in Emery’s second season at Arsenal led to his dismissal.
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