Why Mikel Obi wants Unai Emery at Manchester United

Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has weighed in on Manchester United’s poor form, amidst rumours that Michael Carrick could be relieved of his duties as head coach.

Carrick was appointed on an interim basis in January 2026 after the Red Devils parted ways with Ruben Amorim who’s now in charge of AC Milan.

In his spell as an interim manager, the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder won 12 of the 17 games he took charge of, sealing a 71% win percentage.

He was then handed a permanent role in the summer, signing a two-year contract. However, the new season hasn’t gone well. Manchester United have won just two of their 12 games across all competitions this season.

After the Red Devils’ latest loss to Bournemouth, Carrick went round Old Trafford to apologise to the fans, putting his hands on his chest as he walked down the tunnel.

However, as soon as the coach went in, the crowd turned on the players, booing them for a poor performance as they made their way out as well.

The love and respect we have for @carras16 is unquestionable. He understands this club, what it means to the supporters and what wearing that shirt demands ❤️👊🏼

But I fear the people running Manchester United will destroy him. Under the Glazers and INEOS, another man who loves… pic.twitter.com/xH8F1wetcR

— Alex Nield (@famousalexnield) October 25, 2026

Mikel Obi, reacting to the situation, offered some insight on the Obi One podcast, admitting the fans were justified in their action.

“First of all, the fans own the football club. The fans are not stupid. The come week in, week out, see what goes on, and they know exactly where the problem lies.

“Is Michael Carrick a top manager? No. Did he manage at the top level before getting the United job? No.

“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.

“Collectively, these Manchester United fans are not good enough. They were dreadful to watch, awful to watch. It was a disaster.

Why Mikel Obi wants Unai Emery at Manchester United

With several reports claiming the three-time UEFA Champions League winners are in talks with Antonio Conte and Eddie Howe about taking over Carrick’s role, Mikel believes Unai Emery is the best option for the Mancunians.

The Spaniard is the coach with the most UEFA Europa League titles (5) to his name, including a hat-trick run with Sevilla.

His tactical genius, alongside the recruitment strategy, are the reasons Mikel Obi believes Unai Emery will thrive at Manchester United.

“I will go for Unai Emery. I don’t think he leaves, but if you give him the keys, give him an open cheque,

“What he’s done with this Aston Villa team is absolutely superb, it’s brilliant to see what he does consistently.

“They’ve let Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez leave, the spine of the club left.

“Yet, he’s brought in brilliant players. Not household names, but to get the team to still retain their style, in a short space of time, and with intensity, he’s shown he belongs with the big guys.

“He’s a tactical genius. It’s amazing.

Mikel’s points are rock solid, considering Manchester United have spent over a billion pounds since 2020, while struggling to regain a particular identity or win major titles.

Villa, meanwhile, have spent 40% less, and have qualified for the UEFA Champions League twice, winning the UEFA Europa League once.

United have won the FA Cup and the EFL Cup since that time, but their outings in European competitions have been poor. They’ve been knocked out in the group stage twice, while reaching the knockout stage just once.