BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 07: Unai Emery manger / head coach of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Bourn
Unai Emery is not expected to be a top target for Man United (Image: Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher has argued that Aston Villa manager Unai Emery ought to be leading the race for the Manchester United job ahead of this weekend's Premier League encounter between the two clubs. United host Villa at Old Trafford seeking to strengthen their hold on a top-four berth. Michael Carrick has successfully elevated the club into Champions League positions following an impressive start to his tenure as caretaker boss.
Whether Carrick continues beyond the current campaign remains uncertain, with early indications suggesting a more seasoned figure will assume control for the 2026/27 season. Thomas Tuchel emerged as an early candidate to take over following the World Cup, though the England manager has recently extended his contract with the national side. Luis Enrique and Carlos Ancelotti have similarly been mentioned. But Emery who has been with Villa since 2022, guiding them to regular European campaigns, including the Champions League, has not.
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The Midlands side currently rank amongst the Europa League favourites, a tournament Emery has claimed four times during his managerial career.
Despite his impressive credentials, speculation linking Emery to the United role has remained notably subdued compared to that of the alternative candidates.
Before this weekend's encounter, Carragher has raised doubts about why the Old Trafford side haven't placed the Spaniard at the summit of their shortlist, whilst also suggesting it would be foolish to assume he wouldn't welcome the chance.
"Unai Emery should be heading to Old Trafford this weekend as the frontrunner to become the next Manchester United manager," he stated in his column with The Telegraph.
"I suspect he does not rank high among the candidates. That is good news for Aston Villa, but it must be frustrating for one of the best, and still most underrated, coaches in Europe.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Jamie Carragher looks on at the end of the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle Unite
Jamie Carragher believes Unai Emery would be ideal for Man United (Image: Getty Images)
"For Emery not to be under serious consideration says plenty about modern football. By any metric, he would be the perfect coach to revive United. For me, only Pep Guardiola ranks higher of those currently managing in England.
"Here is a manager who wins trophies, has a clear football vision, a track record of revitalising clubs in need of a mini-revolution to break into the Champions League, and who demands respect whilst leading with authority. Add the fact he is now proven in the Premier League, and such coaches are in short supply."
Carragher continued: "At Villa, it seemed like Emery appointed his own sporting director when Monchi arrived, and when there was a disagreement about transfer policy, the executive left.
"That will carry weight with members of United's board, even though candidates should be judged on their coaching and managing skills, not how their arrival would affect the job security of those above them.
"It has reached a point where if a younger, up-and-coming version of Sir Alex Ferguson was on the market, some sporting directors would probably hesitate to approach him because they would fear for their own relevance.
"The suggestion that United's boardroom would chew Emery up and spit him out like Arsenal and PSG after the first bad spell has merit. If he started a new season as he did at Villa Park last August, Emery would be fire-fighting and it would make it tougher to lead such a spectacular revival as he has.
"Despite this, it is naive to believe Emery would not be attracted by the United job if he felt they really wanted him."
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