Jamie Carragher has issued a reality check to Aston Villa fans after suggesting Unai Emery would be perfect for Manchester United - and suggested why the Spaniard may be keen on the move
Unai Emery has continued to excel with Aston Villa
Unai Emery has continued to excel with Aston Villa(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Jamie Carragher has told Aston Villa fans to "shut the f*** up" after copping criticism for suggesting Unai Emery would be ideal for Manchester United.
The Red Devils' dire start to the season, which has seen them win just two of 12 games, has left Michael Carrick under pressure. He's remained in his post following United's 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, but if results like that continue then a change is inevitable.
United's hierarchy have shortlisted candidates to replace Carrick and Emery is thought to be among them. The Spaniard has enjoyed a stellar period at Villa, whom he joined in 2022. He's led them to Europa League glory and twice got them into the Champions League.
Villa fans have hit back at Carragher for suggesting Emery would want to leave Villa, who have become serial challengers for Europe, for a troubled side in United. But the Sky Sports pundit maintained that the Red Devils will always have a greater lure, whatever happens.
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He said on Stick to Football : "I think Unai Emery is unbelievable with what he does year after year. That amount of change, players needing time to settle and he does it year after year.
"But the reason I'm going to go back at Villa fans is I can't believe that a manager who is so successful in the Europa League, take a player, if you'd won the Europa League three of four times surely you'll then want to go for the Champions League.
"Aston Villa will never be Manchester United. I just think he didn't do well at PSG or Arsenal, and maybe that's because of egos in the dressing room and that sort of thing. But surely he would want that opportunity to manage a giant again. There is a chain in football, whether you like it or not.
Michael Carrick will remain as Man Utd manager this weekend, but is running out of time
Michael Carrick will remain as Man Utd manager this weekend, but is running out of time(Image: Getty Images)
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"So Real Madrid will take Manchester United's best player, they did it with (Cristiano) Ronaldo. And they will be teams below Aston Villa, and they'll take their players or manager, so shut the f*** up Aston Villa fans. Aston Villa will never be Manchester United."
Carragher conceded that Emery, who appears to have total control at Villa Park, which is rarely seen at clubs nowadays, may enjoy the level of influence he has. That could prove defining in whether he stays or chooses to take hold of a heavyweight club once again.
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Emery has ultimately shown no desire to leave Villa despite his work seeing him linked with major jobs previously. His most impressive stints have come at the likes of Sevilla, Villarreal and Villa. But he's equally lasted less than four years in his roles at PSG and Arsenal - which continues to be held against him.