Jason Cundy has urged Manchester United to sack Michael Carrick and appoint Unai Emery, arguing that Sir Jim Ratcliffe should act immediately rather than wait until Christmas.
The Sports Bar co-host made the call on talkSPORT after a disappointing midweek result, as pressure increased on Carrick following Manchester United’s sluggish start to the campaign and early League Cup exit.
“Unai Emery, go and get him, get him out of Villa,” Cundy said. “That’s what I’d do. If I were Sir Jim Ratcliffe, I’d now cut my losses and go and get Unai. Don’t wait until Christmas to have the conversation, do it now.”
Jamie O’Hara questioned whether the proposed move would be realistic, suggesting Emery might not want to take charge of the club in its current situation.
“I don’t know if Unai Emery wants to be Man United manager. Why would he want to go in there?” O’Hara said.
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa record behind Manchester United suggestion
Emery has also overseen an inconsistent start to the current campaign at Aston Villa, but Cundy’s recommendation is based on the Spaniard’s wider record at the club.
Since arriving at Villa, Emery has helped establish the side as regular European contenders and built a team capable of competing with some of England’s strongest clubs.
He also led Aston Villa to the Europa League title last season, securing the fifth Europa League trophy of his career. Jurgen Klopp has described Emery as a “world-class” coach, citing his tactical approach and attention to detail.
Whether Emery would consider leaving his Aston Villa project for Manchester United remains uncertain. Cundy, however, believes Ratcliffe should make the change now instead of waiting until the festive period to reassess Carrick’s position.
