Journalist Ben Jacobs has said that it will be difficult for Aston Villa manager Unai Emery to join Manchester United if Michael Carrick is sacked.
Emery has been linked with United, with uncertainty surrounding Carrick’s position as head coach.
The Spanish tactician has enhanced his reputation through his success with Villa, making him one of the potential candidates if Carrick loses his job.
Emery, described as a ‘world-class‘ manager by Germany’s head coach Jurgen Klopp, has guided the Villans back into the Champions League on two occasions, despite the club’s financial constraints.
The 54-year-old also guided the West Midlands side to the UEFA Europa League title last season, their first European trophy in 44 years.
Jacobs, speaking with The United Stand about the likelihood of Emery joining United, said the Spaniard does not fit the club’s current structure, making him unlikely to join.
“Really difficult because the people hiring would have to make sacrifices.
“The challenge with Emery is this is not a kind of manager who you can go to and say we’re Manchester United, we’re offering you more money and it’s a step up, because he sees Villa as the Pinnacle.
“He’s got control in the market and over the culture. If you come to a manager like that and say We’ll give you a sporting director, we’ll give you the culture that you want, and for Emery that would mean bringing in his own sporting director, so how do you navigate the balance.”
Emery’s mixed spell at Arsenal, where he failed to deliver the expected success, could raise questions about whether he is the right man to lead a club of United’s stature.
The five-time Europa League winner is also unlikely to leave Villa during the season. His side are enjoying a good run of form in the Premier League and look more likely to finish in Champions League places than United.
Emery could consider leaving Villa at the end of the season, potentially entertaining an offer from a big club like Man United if they are prepared to give him the resources and backing he needs to succeed.