Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe looks on after the match
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe looks on after the match
Manchester United have made nothing short of a disastrous start to the Premier League season, taking just seven points from their first eight matches, and they are sitting just one point above the relegation zone.
A record of one win in eight matches is far from good enough for any Man United manager, although Gary Neville has also launched a scathing attack on the players for what has been a very disappointing run of performances.
In the wake of the 3-0 defeat against AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford, Neville said: "Nothing against Tottenham here, nothing against Como, nothing against Atletico Madrid. A little bit against Leeds, it was a bit of a fight, but nothing against Fulham. That was a waste of time. So, this is a pattern of nothings, of players switching off and downing tools."
"A few of them aren't that professional. I live in Manchester. Some of them aren't that professional. So I've got no time for them."
That said, Michael Carrick will ultimately be the man to take the fall, should INEOS decide a change is needed, and a number of managers are in the frame to replace him.
Eddie Howe is among them, and the former Newcastle United manager has been identified as the Red Devils' top target, but an alternative option has also emerged.
Man Utd eyeing move for Unai Emery
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery-1
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery-1
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Man United have been monitoring Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, alongside Brighton & Hove Albions's Fabian Hurzeler, Como's Cesc Fabregas and former Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann.
However, Emery, who prefers to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, remains under contract at Villa Park until 2029, which means it could be difficult for United to lure him to Old Trafford, even though Jamie Carragher believes he may have aspirations of moving to a bigger club.
"He wants to win the Champions League. He’s not going to do that at Aston Villa," Carragher said. "He’s had two experiences that haven’t gone particularly well for him, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. And I just think surely he would want that opportunity to prove himself at an absolute giant of a football club. Sorry, Villa fans."
Although the former Liverpool defender doesn't believe the 54-year-old had the best of times at PSG, he lifted the 2017-18 Ligue 1 title, one of 12 trophies he's won during his managerial career.
Moreover, coach Gboyega Olutade has lauded Emery for the "absolutely incredible" job he's done at Aston Villa, and he is vastly experienced in the Premier League, managing 198 matches in the competition across spells with the Villans and Arsenal.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks dejected as he applauds fans after the match
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks dejected as he applauds fans after the match