Unai Emery is emerging as one of the names admired by Manchester Unitedâs decision-makers as they consider what to do about Michael Carrick following the 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como.
Carrick remains in charge for Sundayâs Premier League meeting with Bournemouth, but the result in Italy has intensified scrutiny of his position. According to The i Paper, Emery is highly regarded at Old Trafford after rebuilding Aston Villa and guiding them into the Champions League.
Villaâs progress under the Spaniard has included two fourth-place Premier League finishes and a run to the Champions League quarter-finals. Emery also led the club to the Europa League title, strengthening his reputation as a manager able to build a competitive side while working within financial constraints.
Persuading him to leave Villa would be difficult. Emery has been at the club since 2022 and is reported to be committed to a role that gives him substantial influence over recruitment and the wider football operation. Any approach from United would therefore face significant obstacles.
The club must also decide whether to appoint someone currently out of work or attempt to prise away a manager already in a job. Eddie Howe and Antonio Conte are among the available options mentioned in the reports, while Brighton head coach Fabian HĂŒrzeler is another name under consideration.
Howeâs record at Newcastle includes ending the clubâs long wait for a major domestic trophy and leading them into two Champions League campaigns. However, he left in the summer and is understood to want the right fit rather than an immediate return to management. His expectations around recruitment and club structure could make discussions with United complicated, particularly while Jason Wilcoxâs own position is being scrutinised.
Conte would offer a very different leadership style to Carrick. The Italian has won major honours in England and Italy, but his confrontational approach has prompted questions about whether he would suit Unitedâs current squad and the pressure surrounding the job. Former player Ashley Young has described the appointment as having the potential to be a âdisasterâ.
Kieran McKenna, formerly of Ipswich Town and a coach in Unitedâs academy, is also reported to be interested. Brightonâs HĂŒrzeler is another possible target, although his clubâs strong form could make an approach difficult.
Manchester Unitedâs immediate priority is the Bournemouth match, with no final decision on Carrickâs future publicly confirmed. But after recent managerial appointments failed to deliver the expected progress, the next choice would carry considerable consequences for the clubâs direction.