Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is among the contenders to replace Michael Carrick at Old Trafford if he’s sacked by Manchester United – but would he take the job?

Carrick’s future is uncertain, with reports suggesting United’s hierarchy have held a crisis meeting and that there is an expectation within the club that he will be sacked in the coming days.

Several coaches have been linked with the potential vacancy following United’s 3-0 loss against Bournemouth on Sunday (October 25), including former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and ex-Germany and Bayern head coach Julian Nagelsmann.

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Meanwhile, former Chelsea, Spurs, Inter, Juventus and Napoli boss Antonio Conte appeared to cool speculation about his potential arrival with a statement last week, in which the Italian described the reports as "unfounded".

Aston Villa’s Emery is the fourth favourite among most bookmakers, with the Spaniard seen as arguably the best manager in the Premier League after guiding the Midlands side to Europa League glory and Champions League qualification last year.

Despite the links with United, the 54-year-old reportedly remains committed to Villa.

Other reports suggest United would have to pay a compensation fee of £20million to prise Emery away from Villa Park.

Emery is under contract at Villa Park until 2029, having penned a five-year deal in 2024.

Jamie Carragher urges Man Utd to appoint Unai Emery

The links come after former Liverpool defender-turned-pundit Jamie Carragher urged United to replace Carrick with Emery after Sunday’s match.

"He is a manager I look at when I think about Manchester United," he told Sky Sports.

"People say behind the scenes at Aston Villa, he runs the whole club. Sir Alex Ferguson did that at Manchester United. It’s not just the United way, it’s the way in football generally.

"I think Emery is the best manager in the Premier League. But I’ve got this thing with him. Yes, his record in the Europa League is amazing, but surely somebody who is that successful wants to be known in the Champions League?

"He wants to win the Champions League. He’s not going to do that at Aston Villa. He’s had two experiences that haven’t gone particularly well for him, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.

"And I just think surely he would want that opportunity to prove himself at an absolute giant of a football club. Sorry, Villa fans."

On Carrick, he added: "He needs to be relieved of his duties tonight. Not just for the good of Manchester United but also for the good of Michael Carrick. Manchester United need to make that decision tonight."

Emery has previously coached Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Sevilla and Villarreal.

Next permanent Man Utd head coach odds

• Eddie Howe — 4/6
• Julian Nagelsmann — 5/2
• Antonio Conte — 5/1
• Unai Emery — 17/2
• Kieran McKenna — 22/1
• Cesc Fàbregas — 22/1
• Gareth Southgate — 22/1
• Thomas Tuchel — 22/1
• Mauricio Pochettino — 33/1
• Ole Gunnar Solskjær — 33/1
• Darren Fletcher — 33/1

(Odds according to Oddschecker)