At a Glance
- Emery has been linked with Manchester United job
- Neville is a massive fan of the Villa boss
- The Spaniard takes on Carrick today
Gary Neville has suggested Unai Emery is in contention to become the next head coach of Manchester United. The Aston Villa boss will take on the Reds at Old Trafford today (March 15th).
Emery has done a superb job at Villa, guiding them to UEFA Champions League qualification two seasons ago. His Villans progressed to the quarter-finals before being knocked out by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
The Spanish tactician is contracted to the west Midlands outfit until June 2029. But his name is being constantly mentioned among the candidates to take over the Red Devils on a permanent basis.
Michael Carrick is in charge of United until the end of the season, and Neville believes he has put himself in “pole position.” His side sits third ahead of today’s game level on points with Villa but with a superior goal difference.
Emery gets Neville’s approval
Neville was asked about his Sky Sports colleague Jamie Carragher’s recent comments on Emery being ideal for the Reds. He responded:
“I’ve said before about Unai Emery, I think he’s the manager in the league behind Pep Guardiola, who’s got the most experience, probably the best coach behind Pep Guardiola. I think Mikel Arteta might have something to say about that, Arne Slot as well. I do think what he’s done over these last 15-20 years of his career is absolutely incredible. He’s a brilliant coach, and he is someone who would be up for contention.”
Emery has been in charge of Villa since November 2022, taking the team from mid-table to European contention. He has overseen 100 wins in 181 games in charge.
Neville has doubts over his side’s hopes of qualifying for Europe’s elite club competition but feels Emery is the reason they have a chance:
“I don’t think Villa will get in the Champions League places; however, my one doubt in saying that is their coach. I think he’s absolutely outstanding, and he knows how to get over the line.”
Emery has remained tight-lipped over his future amid talk of him taking over one of Europe’s elite clubs. He has also been linked with Real Madrid, who will decide whether to keep caretaker manager Alvaro Arbeloa in charge.
It could be a risk
Emery deserved to be given more time at Arsenal after he succeeded Arsene Wenger at the Emirates. The Gunners sacked the Spaniard after just 18 months when performances and results dropped.
The 54-year-old took over Villarreal and led them the Europa League trophy at the expense of Manchester United in the 2020-21 final. His resume speaks for itself, achieving incredible success, especially at Sevilla where he won the European trophy three times.
| Club | Period | P | W | D | L | Major Trophies |
| Valencia CF | 2008 – 2012 | 220 | 107 | 58 | 55 | N/A |
| Sevilla FC | 2013 – 2016 | 205 | 107 | 43 | 55 | 3x Europa League |
| PSG | 2016 – 2018 | 114 | 87 | 15 | 12 | 1x Ligue 1, 2x Coupe de France, 2x French League Cup |
| Arsenal | 2018 – 2019 | 78 | 43 | 16 | 19 | N/A |
| Villarreal | 2020 – 2022 | 129 | 66 | 32 | 31 | Europa League |
| Aston Villa | 2022 – Present | 181* | 100 | 32 | 49 | N/A |
That said, Emery thrives at clubs where the pressure isn’t sky high and that was arguably an issue at Arsenal. He similarly encountered problems during his time in charge of Paris Saint-Germain.
