Campbell Advocates for Unai Emery as Manchester United’s Next Manager

As Manchester United embarks on the quest for a new permanent manager following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, Arsenal legend Sol Campbell has shared his insights on the essential qualities required for success at Old Trafford. With Michael Carrick temporarily in charge until the season’s conclusion, speculation is rampant regarding who will secure the long-term role.

Campbell highlights that the solution may lie within the Premier League, particularly at Villa Park, where Unai Emery has rebuilt his reputation as one of Europe’s most astute tacticians. In a discussion with Paddy Power, Campbell identified specific personality traits that United’s leadership should prioritize. He asserts that the club has evolved beyond the need for risky appointments and requires a figure capable of bridging the gap between the boardroom and the fans. According to Campbell, Emery exemplifies this blend of tactical intelligence and resilience necessary to thrive at an elite club.

Believing Emery to be a viable candidate, Campbell cites the Spaniard’s impressive tenure at Aston Villa as proof of his qualifications. Since his return to England, Emery has transformed Villa from relegation threats into European contenders, showcasing a consistency that has been notably absent at Old Trafford.

“I honestly think United need someone who can appease those above while reassuring the fans that they’re in capable hands,” Campbell explained. “Someone who understands football like Unai Emery at Villa—that’s a possibility. He’s proven and can navigate big-club dynamics.”

This endorsement marks a shift in perspective regarding Emery. Although his time at Arsenal was mixed, his subsequent achievements, including winning the Europa League with Villarreal and revolutionizing Aston Villa, have demonstrated his ability to organize teams and manage high expectations effectively.

In evaluating the managerial landscape, Campbell also considered two prominent German managers: Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel. He acknowledged that in an ideal scenario, Klopp would be the perfect fit for Manchester United; however, he recognized that the former Liverpool boss’s loyalty to Anfield renders this move impractical.

“If Jurgen Klopp hadn’t been at Liverpool, he would be ideal for them, but that’s not going to happen,” Campbell remarked. “The personality, someone who’s been there before—that type of individual.”

With Klopp ruled out, Campbell then turned his focus to Thomas Tuchel, another name frequently associated with the vacancy. While he acknowledged Tuchel’s tactical expertise, Campbell cautioned that the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager has a reputation for being difficult to work with. “I can see Thomas Tuchel as a candidate, but he can rub people the wrong way at times,” he noted. Nevertheless, he speculated that this abrasive demeanor might be exactly what United requires. “Maybe that’s the kind of manager they need. Perhaps it doesn’t matter if he ruffles some feathers.”

For the time being, the managerial duties fall to Carrick. The former midfielder has been tasked with leading the team for the remainder of the season, which Campbell perceives as a sensible change from the previous regime. Intriguingly, he draws a parallel between Carrick’s appointment and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s interim spell, suggesting that if Carrick achieves positive results, he could be a strong contender for the permanent position.

“They wanted a change; it’s a good move to try something different,” Campbell said. “They knew what they were getting with Solskjaer. They’ll give Carrick enough room to prove himself. If he performs well, he might follow in Solskjaer’s footsteps and secure the role for a longer term. It ultimately hinges on results.”

Solskjaer famously transitioned from caretaker to permanent manager following an impressive run, and Campbell believes the United board is receptive to a similar scenario if Carrick can stabilize the club’s performance.

Ultimately, Campbell’s view on the current situation at United reflects a sense of weary familiarity. He described the club as being “stuck in a loop” of hiring and firing, unable to escape the cycle that has characterized the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. He dismissed any surprise regarding Ruben Amorim’s exit, asserting that the Portuguese coach’s position had become untenable long before his dismissal.

“In the end, Amorim’s position was unsustainable; it was just a matter of time,” Campbell remarked. “Why are people constantly surprised by the enormity of Manchester United?”