Manchester United are in the market for a new manager in the summer to potentially replace Michael Carrick, and ESPN have now reported that Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is a target.
Carrick was brought in back in January, and he's done an excellent job of turning things around at Old Trafford after a dismal spell under Ruben Amorim.
The former Middlesbrough manager was handed the job until the end of the season, but INEOS and the rest of the United hierarchy might be considering keeping him a little longer due to the start that he's made.
The Red Devils won their opening four games under Carrick's tutelage, although their performance levels have dropped off slightly since then.
Man Utd Eyeing Premier League Manager
Unai Emery
According to a report from ESPN, one of the candidates for the Manchester United job is Aston Villa boss Emery. It's claimed that the Spanish manager has 'greater tactical credentials' at the highest level than Carrick, which is a fair statement considering he's won four Europa League titles.
There are some doubts about Emery internally, however, with his 'old-school' requirement for control at a club not aligning with how the likes of Jason Wilcox, Christopher Vivell, and Omar Berrada operate at Old Trafford.
The 'elite' manager has done a phenomenal job with the Villains, transforming them from a bottom-half side into Champions League qualification contenders.
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Emery Would be a Carrick Upgrade
Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick celebrates
Carrick has undoubtedly steered United back in the right direction since his arrival, but it would be unfair to compare him to someone of Emery's experience.
As mentioned, Emery has won the Europa League on four occasions, and you don't achieve that if you're an average manager.
This is the first time Carrick has managed in the Premier League for an extended period, and although he may be one day, he's not on the same level as Emery as it stands.
If the opportunity arises for United to appoint Emery in the summer, then they should grab it with both hands.
How Man Utd Could Set Up Under Emery
Unai Emery
GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT how Man Utd could set up under Emery if he were to be appointed.
Based on the current squad listed for Manchester United F.C. (players such as Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha), Unai Emery would likely favour a 4-2-3-1 / 4-4-2 hybrid, similar to his structure at Aston Villa F.C..
Possible XI
GK: Senne Lammens
RB: Diogo Dalot
CBs: Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro
LB: Patrick Dorgu
Double pivot: Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte
RW: Bryan Mbeumo
AM: Bruno Fernandes
LW: Amad Diallo
ST: Matheus Cunha
Tactical outline
Compact mid-block with organised pressing triggers.
Quick transitions through Bruno and the wide forwards.
Full-backs advancing to support wide overloads.
Cunha dropping short to link play while wingers attack space in behind.