Jamie Carragher has named Aston Villa boss Unai Emery as his preferred choice to take over at Manchester United if Michael Carrick is sacked. Carrick has overseen just two victories this season, with defeats to Como and Bournemouth by a three-goal margin last week leaving him under intense pressure.
Carragher's Verdict on Emery
Speaking to Sky Sports, Carragher said: "[Emery] is a manager I look at when I think about Manchester United. I think he is the best manager in the Premier League. But I've got this thing with him."
He added: "Yes, his record in the Europa League is amazing, but surely somebody who is that successful wants to be known in the Champions League. He wants to win the Champions League. He's not going to do that at Aston Villa. He's had two experiences that haven't gone particularly well for him, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. And I just think surely he would want that opportunity to prove himself at an absolute giant of a football club. Sorry, Villa fans."
Emery's Villa Success
Emery won his fifth Europa League title with Villa last season before watching five key players depart. Despite a difficult opening spell, Villa have gone unbeaten in their last eight matches, winning seven of them.
Ending Manchester City's perfect 100% winning record in the Premier League was the most recent of those results, with Nicolas Jackson, who came into the club for Ollie Watkins, netting twice.
United's Interest and Carrick's Future
United's hierarchy are reportedly particularly taken with how Emery rebuilt the Villa squad within a single transfer window despite losing Watkins, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa and Emiliano Martinez. Reports suggest Emery is earning between £10million-£12million at Villa Park.
Emery is one of many names linked with the Old Trafford role, alongside Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler, while Julian Nagelsmann, Eddie Howe and Antonio Conte are the out-of-work candidates of interest.
As it stands, Emery making the switch from Villa to United appears unlikely, and there has yet to be any official word on Carrick's future at the club. Having been eliminated from the Carabao Cup, United have a free week ahead of their clash with Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime.
