Man Utd’s winless run fuels hunt for Emery as Carrick’s fate hangs

Manchester United’s winless streak deepened with a 3‑0 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday, intensifying speculation that Michael Carrick could be replaced as manager and that the club have earmarked Aston Villa boss Unai Emery as their ‘dream’ successor in the Premier League.

The loss to Bournemouth marked the Red Devils’ eighth consecutive match without a win across all competitions. Their run began after a heavy 4‑1 defeat to Serie A side Como in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Carrick had already been under pressure heading into the Sunday fixture, with the Wednesday drubbing still fresh in the minds of supporters and the board.

On Monday, United were reported to be in crisis talks, and names such as Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte have been linked to the vacancy for weeks.

Dream appointment at Villa Park

Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke says the Red Devils are long‑term admirers of the Spaniard and view his work at Villa Park as ‘outstanding’, especially given the club’s SCR issues. United are firm admirers of Emery’s work throughout his career, the journalist noted.

O’Rourke adds that Emery has already begun to reverse Villa’s shaky start, guiding them to seven wins in their last nine games in all competitions.

Nevertheless, United are unlikely to splash the sums required to secure Emery’s services, according to the journalist.

Sack timeline accelerates

Former United scout Mick Brown predicts Carrick will be dismissed “within days”, calling it a real shame but stressing that football is a results business.

Brown told Football Insider that the club’s recent performances have been “miles off” expectations, and after the Bournemouth defeat he expects a decision “sooner rather than later”. He added that without wins, good play or signs of improvement, a change is inevitable. “It’s a real shame for Michael Carrick, but results haven’t been good enough,” he said.