Unai Emery has been described as a “dream target” for Manchester United if they decide to replace Michael Carrick, but reports say his preferred working arrangements could complicate a move to Old Trafford.
United beat Roma 3-2 on Tuesday, giving Carrick a much-needed result after a difficult run. His future may still depend on Saturday’s Premier League match against Aston Villa, where Emery is currently manager.
A report in the Daily Mail says Emery is on United’s five-man shortlist. It also claims he prefers to choose his own sporting director and deal directly with club ownership, rather than work through a director of football or chief executive.
That approach could conflict with United’s current structure, in which Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada work alongside co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The report suggests Emery may not be an ideal fit unless the club is willing to make significant changes around him.
Richard Dunne says Emery should top United’s list
Former Premier League defender Richard Dunne believes United should still make Emery their leading choice, even if persuading him to leave Villa proves difficult.
“Unai Emery has to be right at the top of the shortlist for Man United,” Dunne told Snabbare. “Alongside Mikel Arteta, he’s probably the best manager in the Premier League.”
Dunne praised Emery’s work at Villa, saying he had built a successful side despite operating with restricted funds. He added that United should consider him their number one target, even if the Spaniard ultimately rejects an approach.
However, Dunne also warned that United’s problems extend beyond the manager. He pointed to concerns about the club’s ownership, recruitment and executive leadership, arguing that those issues must be addressed if a new coach is to succeed.
“United have had really good players and managers, but the results remain the same,” he said. “You have to look above the pitch at the boardroom.”
Carrick’s position remains under scrutiny
Carrick’s win over Roma may have eased immediate pressure, but the Aston Villa fixture is another important test before the international break. United had been on a nine-match winless run before the European victory, and the club are understood to be assessing his position after the two matches.
Emery has previously been linked with the job, but his reported preference for greater control at club level could prove decisive. United would need to weigh the appeal of appointing an experienced Premier League manager against the possibility of changing the executive structure that currently shapes football operations.
For now, Emery remains a reported candidate rather than an appointed successor. Carrick’s result against Roma has bought him time, but his longer-term future may depend on what happens next against Villa.
