Manchester United could find themselves looking for a new manager if things don't improve and Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is among those linked with taking over

Manchester United could well be looking for a manager in the coming days. All the smart money was on them looking for a new boss this week, but Michael Carrick has been given a stay of execution.

The Red Devils boss has overseen just two wins in 12 games to begin the season, their worst start to a campaign for four decades, and the storm clouds are gathering. They face Chelsea in London on Saturday lunchtime, another poor result could be terminal.

As a result the Old Trafford hierarchy have had to consider what life post-Carrick would look like, drawing up a list of name. Several of those are out of a job - the likes of ex-Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and former Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann.

One man in a job and operating at a rival is Unai Emery, continuing to thrive at Aston Villa. He has been thrust into the limelight following comments made by Jamie Carragher, who took on the Villa fans by reminding them they will never be of the calibre of United.

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The two teams are in very different places right now. Villa the reigning Europa League champions and playing at Europe's top table. United's season unravelling before their eyes as they continue to outdo themselves. But would a call from the red side of Manchester really turn Emery's head?

The case for joining United

Ultimately, they're Man Utd: Their golden years are long gone, leaving when Sir Alex Ferguson departed the building. But they remain one of the powerhouses of the world game and, alongside Liverpool, one of the two biggest in English football. Despite all their problems, the man who eventually makes United a force again will go down in history. Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal both failed - but being the man to find the answers is a huge carrot.

Proving the doubters wrong: For all Emery's success at Villa, and before that Sevilla and Villarreal, there are those who like to remind us that his stints at PSG and Arsenal were underwhelming to say the least.

It is not unfair to say that PSG and the Gunners come with a level of expectation that exceeds what you find at Villa Park or the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. If Emery can excel at one of the giants of the game, he'll leave his doubters with nothing else to say.

Villa maxed out: Sooner or later Emery will privately have to ask himself what more he can achieve at Villa. He's won a European trophy, made the Champions League, then made the knockouts of the Champions League. The club ultimately have a limit financially, all of which leaves the feeling that Emery may be working at his maximum.

The case for remaining at Villa

Total control: In a footballing era where coaches are handed players and told to get the best out of them, Emery is very much an old school manager. Villa recognise what they have and, if he needs more influence to feel like he wants to stay, then so be it.

There's no doubt the Spaniard would struggle to find that set-up anywhere else - and United would certainly not afford him the right to run his own ship.

Total chaos: It is like there's something in the air, but anyone or anything with talent seems to die a death when it heads to the red side of Manchester - and those in the boardroom do not help. Ever since David Gill left his senior role United have employed people who have struggled with their decision making - which has not made the manager's job any easier.