Michael Carrick remains at the helm of embattled Manchester United but speculation continues over not only his job but the future of Aston Villa counterpart Unai Emery.
While the likes of Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte have been linked with United, who are in the midst of a nine-game winless streak and only sit outside of the Premier League’s relegation zone on goal difference, Aston Villa boss Emery is widely regarded as the top candidate.
Emery knows how to rebuild a football club. He has also learned what happens when things go wrong at one of Europe’s biggest.
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That combination could explain why the Villa head coach has emerged as an admired candidate at Old Trafford.
According to Fabrizio Romano, influential United figures consider Emery an “ideal” managerial option as pressure mounts on Carrick – who was spared the axe before losing to Chelsea 2-0 over the weekend.
But the Spaniard’s appeal extends well beyond his remarkable work at Villa.
When Emery arrived in November 2022, Villa were hovering above the Premier League relegation zone.
Within two years, he had transformed them into UEFA Champions League contenders, securing a fourth-place finish in 2023-24.
His greatest achievement followed in 2026, when Villa won the UEFA Europa League to end a 30-year wait for major silverware.
The transformation has been built on meticulous preparation, tactical discipline and a clearly defined playing identity. Emery also has control on and off the pitch, something he might not be afforded in Manchester.
Emery’s teams are organised without the ball, dangerous in transition and capable of adapting to different opponents.
He has also improved players already at his disposal, demonstrating an ability to develop a squad rather than simply demand expensive reinforcements.
Just look at the form of new signing Nicolas Jackson and how he has rebuilt a Villa side following an off-season of change, headlined by the departures of star Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa, Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins among others – the core of Emery’s side.
For a United team struggling for consistency and direction, those qualities are particularly attractive.
Emery’s European pedigree was established long before Villa.
He won three consecutive Europa League titles with Spanish outfit Sevilla between 2014 and 2016 before collecting seven domestic trophies at French juggernaut Paris Saint-Germain.
But PSG also exposed the challenges of managing elite players and extraordinary expectations with the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar at his disposal, with Champions League disappointments overshadowing his domestic success.
His subsequent spell at Arsenal proved another difficult education.
Tasked with succeeding Arsene Wenger, Emery reached the Europa League final in 2019 but was dismissed months later following a decline in results.
For the most part, Emery was the butt of many jokes at the Emirates, but he has had the last laugh.
Rather than allowing those setbacks to define him, he rebuilt his reputation at Villarreal, winning the 2021 Europa League against – yes you guessed it – Manchester United.
This is a head coach who not only knows how to win, but build teams with clear methods and leadership.
Emery’s achievements have reportedly impressed influential figures at Old Trafford, but that does not necessarily mean he will be appointed should the United hierarchy decide to move on from Carrick.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein has also reported United’s interest in Emery, while stressing Villa have no intention of letting the Spanish tactician leave.
Villa believe the Spaniard is happy, and Ornstein understands there is no release clause in his contract.
There is also no indication United have formally approached Emery, with Carrick’s position set to be evaluated during the international break, after fixtures against Roma and… Villa.
The upcoming Villa date on Monday (AEDT) could well see Emery decide the future of Carrick, and perhaps influence his own.
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