Jamie Carragher has told Aston Villa fans to "shut the **** up" after copping criticism for suggesting Unai Emery would be ideal for Manchester United

Jamie Carragher has told Aston Villa supporters to "shut the **** up" after facing a backlash for claiming Unai Emery would be the perfect fit for Manchester United.

The Red Devils' woeful start to the campaign, with just two wins from 12 matches, has heaped pressure on Michael Carrick. He's kept his job following United's humiliating 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, though further results of that nature would make a managerial change unavoidable.

United's top brass have drawn up a shortlist of potential replacements for Carrick, with Emery believed to be amongst the candidates. The Spaniard has overseen an impressive spell at Villa since taking charge in 2022, guiding them to Europa League triumph and securing Champions League qualification on two occasions.

Villa supporters have rounded on Carragher for implying that Emery would be willing to swap a Villa side who have established themselves as regular European contenders for a struggling United outfit. Yet the Sky Sports pundit stood firm, insisting that the Red Devils will always hold greater appeal, regardless of their current plight.

He said on Stick to Football: "I think Unai Emery is unbelievable with what he does year after year. That amount of change, players needing time to settle and he does it year after year.", reports the Mirror.

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"But the reason I'm going to go back at Villa fans is I can't believe that a manager who is so successful in the Europa League, take a player, if you'd won the Europa League three of four times surely you'll then want to go for the Champions League.

"Aston Villa will never be Manchester United. I just think he didn't do well at PSG or Arsenal, and maybe that's because of egos in the dressing room and that sort of thing. But surely he would want that opportunity to manage a giant again. There is a chain in football, whether you like it or not.

"So Real Madrid will take Manchester United's best player, they did it with (Cristiano) Ronaldo. And they will be teams below Aston Villa, and they'll take their players or manager, so shut the **** up Aston Villa fans. Aston Villa will never be Manchester United."

Carragher acknowledged that Emery, who appears to wield complete authority at Villa Park — a rarity in the modern game — may relish the extent of his influence there. This could prove to be the decisive factor in whether he remains at the club or opts to take charge of a major footballing powerhouse once more.

Despite his impressive work attracting interest from high-profile positions, Emery has shown little inclination to depart Villa. His most celebrated spells have been at Sevilla, Villarreal and Villa, though his tenures at PSG and Arsenal both fell short of four years.