Jamie Carragher names 54-year-old as "perfect coach" to become Man Utd manager

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes Aston Villa manager Unai Emery should be the front-runner to become the next Manchester United head coach.

The Red Devils have had an impressive turnaround since Michael Carrick was appointed interim manager in January.

The club are presently third in the league standings with 51 points, ahead of Villa on goal difference.

United are scheduled to host the Villans at Old Trafford on Sunday. Prior to the game, Carragher has made a big claim.

The former Liverpool centre-back feels Emery should be the front-runner to become the next Man United manager.

He added that the 54-year-old would be the ‘perfect coach’ to revive United, and only Pep Guardiola ranks higher than him among those managing in England.

He wrote in his column for The Telegraph: “Unai Emery should be heading to Old Trafford this weekend as the front-runner to become the next Manchester United manager.

“I suspect he does not rank high among the candidates. That is good news for Aston Villa, but it must be frustrating for one of the best, and still most underrated, coaches in Europe.

“For Emery not to be under serious consideration says plenty about modern football. By any metric, he would be the perfect coach to revive United.

“For me, only Pep Guardiola ranks higher of those currently managing in England.

“Here is a manager who wins trophies, has a clear football vision.

“A track record of revitalising clubs in need of a mini-revolution to break into the Champions League, and who demands respect while leading with authority.

“Add the fact he is now proven in the Premier League, and such coaches are in short supply.”

Carrick in pole position for permanent role

Carrick has been a key catalyst behind the club’s turnaround this year. United were looking outsiders for Champions League football, but are now third in the league in front of Villa on goal difference.

The club also have a three-point lead over Chelsea and Liverpool, and appear in a good position to finish in the top five, which should guarantee Champions League qualification for next season.

Emery has likewise fared well with the Villans. He brought Champions League football to Villa Park in 2024/25 and just missed out on qualification on goal difference in the last campaign.

Villa were looking like genuine title challengers at the start of the year, but things have gone pear-shaped for them. The Midlands outfit have had crucial midfield injuries that have hampered them.

Regardless of how the season ends, Villa are unlikely to contemplate parting ways with Emery, barring a huge compensation package. We don’t believe United consider him as a candidate for the vacancy.

Carrick should be the clear-cut favourite for the job if United secure Champions League football.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .