unai-emery-aston-villa
Manchester United could be running out of options to replace Michael Carrick, with Unai Emery reportedly closing in on a new Aston Villa contract and another potential solution now being taken off the table.
Despite Tuesday night's dramatic 3-2 Champions League victory over Roma, Carrick remains under pressure following a miserable start to the Premier League campaign.
United sit 17th in the table, having won just once in their last ten matches across all competitions, and face a crucial home fixture against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Man Utd suffer Unai Emery blow
unai-emery-aston-villa-premier-league
Emery has been heavily linked with the Old Trafford job in recent weeks, having transformed Aston Villa since taking charge in October 2022.
The Spaniard has guided Villa into the Champions League twice and won last season's Europa League, making him an attractive candidate for United.
His potential departure sparked a fierce reaction from Villa Park after Jamie Carragher suggested that Emery should consider leaving Villa for Manchester.
"There is a chain in football, whether you like it or not.
"So Real Madrid will take Manchester United's best player, they did it with [Cristiano] Ronaldo. And there will be teams below Aston Villa, and they'll take their players or manager.
"Aston Villa will never be Manchester United."
The former Liverpool defender subsequently apologised after Villa owners NSWE threatened legal action over his remarks.
However, Emery now appears increasingly unlikely to leave Villa Park.
According to The Telegraph, the 55-year-old is in advanced negotiations over a new contract following talks with chairman Nassef Sawiris on Wednesday.
The development represents a significant setback for United, who reportedly admire the Spaniard but could now be forced to pursue alternative candidates.
Man Utd unlikely to appoint another interim manager
solskjaer-man-utd-sack
While Emery appears set to remain at Villa, another potential route has reportedly been ruled out should United decide to dismiss Carrick.
According to Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett, who has spoken to "a number of sources" about the situation, United are not planning to appoint another interim head coach if they make a managerial change.
Instead, the club would look to secure a permanent successor, avoiding another temporary appointment while assessing their long-term direction.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick celebrates after the match
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick celebrates after the match
Director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada are reportedly considering alternatives, with Julian Nagelsmann, Eddie Howe and Fabian Hürzeler among the names under discussion.
Carrick continues to retain support behind the scenes, but Sunday's meeting with Emery's Villa could prove especially significant, with the international break providing an opportunity for the club to reassess the situation.
INEOS could finally break familiar managerial cycle
Manchester United co owner Jim Ratcliffe and technical director Jason Wilcox
Manchester United co owner Jim Ratcliffe and technical director Jason Wilcox
United's decision to avoid another temporary appointment could represent a welcome change in strategy following previous managerial experiments.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was initially brought in as caretaker following José Mourinho's dismissal in December 2018, before earning a permanent contract three months later.
The Norwegian ultimately spent almost three years in charge, but was unable to restore United to the summit of English football.
Carrick followed a similar path earlier this year, initially impressing as interim boss before securing a two-year deal in May.
His early success helped United qualify for the Champions League, but their subsequent struggles have demonstrated the risks of making long-term decisions based on relatively short periods of form.
That does not necessarily mean either appointment was a mistake, but United's recent history suggests the club could benefit from establishing a clearer managerial strategy.