Unai Emery’s name continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United as the pressure continues to crank up on Michael Carrick but the Spanish coach would be foolish to consider a move
Unai Emery
Unai Emery has been linked with a move to Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
Unai Emery has become one of the best coaches in world football, according to Aston Villa director Damian Vidagany, so it’s no surprise to see him linked with Manchester United.
The Red Devils have endured a miserable start to the new season and that has seen current boss Michael Carrick come under huge pressure. Villa head coach Emery has been touted as a potential replacement, with former defender Richard Dunne suggesting he should be right at the top of their managerial wishlist.
Speaking to Snabbare, he said: “Unai Emery has to be right at the top of the shortlist for Man United. Alongside Mikel Arteta, he's probably the best manager in the Premier League. He's proven what he can do at Aston Villa with restricted funds, making his signings work brilliantly.
“The success he's had with Villa is as impressive as anyone's in the league. Man United should look at him as their number one target, even if it ends in rejection. I'd be surprised if he left Villa, as he has a lot of control there.
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“United have had really good players and managers, but the results remain the same. You have to look above the pitch at the boardroom.
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“Ownership is a long-term problem, and recruitment and executive leadership don't seem aligned. Man United have deeper problems than just the manager.”
And while United might have ambitions of appointing Emery, the former Sevilla coach would be foolish to consider the move.
Emery has been given total autonomy and control of operations at Villa, with the Spaniard having the final say on all goings on when it comes to the footballing side of the club.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick remains under pressure at Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
Given how much involvement each of Jason Wilcox, Omar Berrada and Sir Jim Ratcliffe and more have upon operations at Old Trafford, it appears highly unlikely that he would enjoy the same freedom should he choose to move.
Villa director Damian Vidagany has recently opened up on Emery’s influence at Villa Park and how it has allowed him to go on and become one of the best coaches in Europe.
Speaking to AS, he said: “He asked me to help him with everything that falls outside his managerial role.
“Having had the experience at Arsenal, where he felt somewhat isolated and disconnected from the club’s ownership, he asked me to structure the non-technical aspects of the football operations, establishing a protocol for the relationship with the club’s ownership.
“It’s going very well because we have an excellent relationship and a superb sporting director like Roberto Olabe. We feel we’ve reached the level of structure that Unai desired before going to England. It’s a source of pride because he can express himself as a coach, making the technical decisions he considers unique, as one of the best in the world, which he is.”
Villa’s decision to step back and allow Emery to steer the club in the direction he wants has borne fruit, with the club having twice finished fourth and won the Europa League. Expectations will be even higher with Man United so it appears even more unlikely that he would even be given the time to make the impact required despite being among the best coaches in the world.
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