Manchester United have named Aston Villa manager Unai Emery as their “dream target” to replace Michael Carrick. – Emery has been on the lists of bosses at Old Trafford before, but his buyout sum, along with the Spanish manager wanting to stay at Villa Park, has stopped transfers.
Michael Carrick was already under immense pressure after his team lost 4-1 in the Champions League to Como – a performance that made headlines and doubts about the United manager’s future.
The Glazer family could sell Manchester United – if two things happen
But a 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth on Sunday really cemented the pressure on Carrick, with rumours that he could now be sacked at Old Trafford. – James Ducker of the Daily Telegraph reported earlier on Monday that United are “locked in crisis talks” over Carrick’s future.
This comes after TEAMtalk transfer insider Graeme Bailey insisted that sources at United “expect Michael Carrick to be sacked as manager” and that former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe “appears to be the leading candidate to replace him at Old Trafford”.
There has been speculation for weeks about who Carrick’s successor could be if the former midfielder loses his job.
Antonio Conte, Julian Nagelsmann and Fabian Hürzeler have been among the other names linked with a transfer – but Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke insists that Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has become their “dream target”. – He is considered one of the best managers in the world. (6th place)
O’Rourke added: “Emery is at the top of the list of potential replacements, but sources say it will require significant compensation to get him away from Villa.”
The journalist continued: “He has already started to turn Villa’s volatile start to the season around again, with his team now winning seven of their last nine games in all competitions.
United are firm admirers of Emery’s work throughout his career, but they are unlikely to be willing to spend the sums needed to bring him in.”
There is talk of at least 25 million euros.
Carrick sacked “within days”
O’Rourke’s colleague, Mick Brown – a former United scout – insists that Carrick will be sacked “within days” as the club tries to avoid dragging out the process.
Brown told Football Insider:
“It’s a real shame for Michael Carrick, but the results haven’t been good enough.
Sometimes it really is that simple – for whatever reason, football is a results business, and that’s especially true when you’re coaching a club like United.
Their results have been miles short of expectations, and while they hoped he could turn things around, there seems to be no turning back at this stage.
It’s felt inevitable for a while, because if you’re not winning games, not playing well, and not showing any signs of improvement, it’s inevitable that a decision will have to be made.
After the Bournemouth game, I expect the decision to be made sooner rather than later – within a few days. But like I said, it’s a real shame that things haven’t worked out.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was absolutely right in his assessment of Manchester United captain Fernandes
