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Unai Emery has been labelled as “one of the best coaches in Europe” amid speculation linking the Aston Villa boss with the Manchester United job.
Various publications understand the Spaniard is admired by the United hierarchy as pressure continues to mount on head coach Michael Carrick.
Questions remain over Carrick’s future as United boss after presiding over a poor run of form which has yielded only two wins from 13 games this season.
And now the Red Devils have been told managerial target Emery is one of the best in the business by Barcelona boss Hansi Flick.
As Barcelona prepare to entertain Emery and Villa in the Champions League tonight, Flick said: “Emery is one of the best coaches in Europe.
“He has a clear idea of how to play in offence and defence, and I appreciate a lot of what I see.
“He is very successful. In the way his team plays, you can see a clear structure, and in offence, they have different patterns. For me, it is amazing to see his team.
“The start [to the season] was not easy, but they came back. You can see the confidence they have on the ball, how they play out, and (Nicolas) Jackson is at an unbelievable level.
“For us, it will be a tough game against a good team and, as well, a great coach. It is the Champions League, and every game is special. Every opponent in the Champions League has quality as well.”
Reports: Villa would demand huge fee for Emery
Emery has been the architect of Villa’s incredible rise of late, leading the club to the 2026 Europa League as well as two top-four finishes in the Premier League.
The former Arsenal manager also won the Europa League three times with Sevilla between 2013 and 2016, and once with Villarreal in 2021.
However, the Guardian claims United would have to pay €23.9million (£20m) in compensation to prize Emery away from Villa.
Yet Villa themselves have said they plan to keep Emery at all costs, having threatened Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher with legal action after he suggested the 55-year-old should consider the United post. He has since apologised for his comments.
United are also believed to be considering the merits of former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and ex-Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann.
Former United midfielder Carrick will remain in charge for the home clash against Roma in the Champions League this evening.
He continues to receive support from the United fans who blame the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owners of the club, for the disastrous run of results this season.
Technical director Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada have also come under fire for overseeing a quiet summer transfer window.
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