Jamie Redknapp believes Manchester United should only consider Unai Emery and Eddie Howe as potential replacements for Michael Carrick if the club decides to part ways with him. After a 2-0 loss to Chelsea, the Manchester side have gone nine matches without a win and currently sit in 17th place in the Premier League.
At Stamford Bridge, Morgan Rogers opened the scoring soon after the break, and Lisandro Martinez's red card in the 63rd minute further complicated matters for the visitors. Cole Palmer converted a penalty to secure victory for Chelsea, who moved up to fourth place.
United find themselves above the relegation zone only on goal difference after nine matches. Despite reports that the management is willing to give Carrick time to rectify the situation, discussions regarding a potential managerial change are ongoing.
Redknapp highlights Emery and Howe
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder stated that he sees only two worthy candidates for the role.
I think there are only two contenders. Listen, Michael Carrick is still in charge, so it’s not entirely fair to discuss this. However, if results don’t improve, his dismissal will become inevitable. In my opinion, it can only be Unai Emery and Eddie Howe.
Other coaches linked with United include Antonio Conte, Fabian Hurzeler, and Julian Nagelsmann, but Redknapp considers Emery the most suitable candidate.
Why Emery may turn down United
Redknapp cited Emery’s position at Aston Villa, where he holds significant influence over the team’s development, as a key obstacle.
Julian Nagelsmann did well in Germany. He had a strong start to his managerial career, but the last few years have been less successful, including with the German national team at the World Cup.
I really do see only Emery as a viable option. The question is whether he would want to leave Aston Villa? He has his own project there and can do almost whatever he wants. He runs the club, and his word carries significant weight.
But perhaps he might think, ‘Here’s a challenge for me.’ Every manager has ambitions. Everyone genuinely believes they can turn things around at Manchester United.
Given Emery’s capabilities, he’s probably the only one I would entrust with that task. I don’t believe that anyone could just come in with an assistant and fix everything; there are too many things that need changing off the pitch at the club.
As of now, Manchester United has not announced any decision to part ways with Carrick. On Tuesday, his team is set to face Roma in the Champions League, and in the next Premier League game, they will play at home against Emery’s Aston Villa.
