Unai Emery's Villa collapse signals end of Manchester United link
Michael Carrick's position as Manchester United manager is precarious and it would surprise no-one if he was dismissed during this international break. However, if United do part ways with Carrick, they should not pursue Unai Emery as his replacement.
The eight-goal match between United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford confirmed Emery's unsuitability for the role. Emery oversaw a team that twice allowed a deeply flawed United to get back into a game they should have lost.
Emery eventually made five changes to a team that held a two-goal lead and that lead was wiped out in the dying stages of the match. He withdrew experienced players John McGinn and Leon Goretzka, and the situation was not ideal for 19-year-old George Hemmings, who was sent on ahead of Emi Buendia, who remained unused.
Emery's record against marquee clubs is also eye-catching, with three wins in 31 matches against Barcelona, four in 19 against United, two in 15 against Liverpool, four in 12 against Arsenal and five in 26 against Real Madrid.
If Sunday's draw does herald the end of Carrick's reign, it should also end any idea of Emery succeeding him.
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