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Man Utd manager: Unai Emery's case for and against after Jamie Carragher reality check

Manchester United could find themselves looking for a new manager if things don't improve and Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is among those linked with taking over

Michael Carrick is a man under serious pressure in Manchester

Michael Carrick is a man under serious pressure in Manchester(Image: Martin Rickett/Press Association)

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Manchester United could well be looking for a manager in the coming days. All the smart money was on them looking for a new boss this week, but Michael Carrick has been given a stay of execution.

The Red Devils boss has overseen just two wins in 12 games to begin the season, their worst start to a campaign for four decades, and the storm clouds are gathering. They face Chelsea in London on Saturday lunchtime, another poor result could be terminal.

As a result the Old Trafford hierarchy have had to consider what life post-Carrick would look like, drawing up a list of name. Several of those are out of a job - the likes of ex-Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and former Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann.

One man in a job and operating at a rival is Unai Emery, continuing to thrive at Aston Villa. He has been thrust into the limelight following comments made by Jamie Carragher, who took on the Villa fans by reminding them they will never be of the calibre of United.

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The two teams are in very different places right now. Villa the reigning Europa League champions and playing at Europe's top table. United's season unravelling before their eyes as they continue to outdo themselves. But would a call from the red side of Manchester really turn Emery's head?

The case for joining United

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery

Unai Emery led Aston Villa to Europa League success last season(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

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It is not unfair to say that PSG and the Gunners come with a level of expectation that exceeds what you find at Villa Park or the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. If Emery can excel at one of the giants of the game, he'll leave his doubters with nothing else to say.

The case for remaining at Villa

Man Utd's hierarchy have struggled to give their managers the necessary tools to succeed

Manchester United's hierarchy have struggled to give their managers the necessary tools to succeed(Image: Getty Images)

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There's no doubt the Spaniard would struggle to find that set-up anywhere else - and United would certainly not afford him the right to run his own ship.

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