‘Tactical Genius’: Mikel Urges Man Utd To Go For Unai Emery

Former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has urged Manchester United to consider Aston Villa manager Unai Emery if they decide to part ways with Michael Carrick, describing the Spaniard as a ‘tactical genius’ capable of rebuilding the struggling Premier League club.

United have endured a difficult start to the 2026/27 season, slipping to 16th in the Premier League after an eight-match winless run in all competitions. Their latest setback was a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday, intensifying speculation over Carrick’s future.

Carrick, who guided United to third place last season and Champions League qualification after taking over from Ruben Amorim, was handed a two-year contract in the summer. However, the team’s recent performances have raised questions about his ability to sustain that progress.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel questioned Carrick’s experience at the highest level but acknowledged the job he did last season.

‘Is Michael Carrick a top manager? No. Did he manage at the top level before getting the United job? No,’ Mikel said.

‘But we all knew that it was going to be a learning process. He did a wonderful job last season, got them back into the Champions League for the first time in a long time.’

The former Chelsea midfielder also criticised United’s squad, saying the players had failed to deliver the required performances.

‘Collectively, these Manchester United players are not good enough. They were dreadful to watch, awful to watch. It was a disaster,’ he added.

Although Newcastle United’s former manager Eddie Howe and Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann have been linked with the Old Trafford job, Mikel said Emery would be his preferred choice.

‘Neither. I would go for Unai Emery. I don’t think he leaves [Aston Villa] but listen, if you give him the f***ing keys,’ he said.

Mikel believes United would need to give Emery the resources and authority to reshape the club if they wanted to persuade him to leave Villa.

‘If you give him an open chequebook and say: ‘Listen, Unai, we don’t want to go down this route anymore, we’re tired, the fans are sick and tired of what’s happening at the football club. We want to press the reset button and believe you are the man,’’ he added.

Mikel also defended Emery’s previous spell at Arsenal, arguing that replacing Arsène Wenger during a period of transition made the job particularly difficult.

He believes the Spaniard has since demonstrated his managerial qualities at Villarreal and Aston Villa, with his work at Villa Park earning particular praise.