John Obi Mikel: Unai Emery would be the best solution for Manchester United
On 29 October 2026 Mikel said Michael Carrick lacks the profile to lead United and suggested Unai Emery if given full powers and funds.
John Obi Mikel said on 29 October 2026 that the best solution for Manchester United would be Unai Emery, calling the club's current 16th-place position in the Premier League unacceptable.
The former Chelsea midfielder, one of the Premier League's top central midfielders in his era, criticised the idea of Michael Carrick remaining at the helm and said he expects a different appointment.
Mikel puts Emery ahead of other names linked to United
Several coaches — including Thomas Tuchel-era names and younger candidates — have been mentioned in the media, but Mikel offered a different preference and spelled out the conditions.
"None of them. I would pick Unai Emery. I don't think he will leave Aston Villa, but listen, if you give him free hands…
"If you give him an unlimited budget and say: 'Listen, Unai, we don't want to keep doing things like this. We're tired, the fans are fed up with everything that's happening at the club. We want to start from zero and we believe you're the right person for the job'," Mikel said.
He argued that United need a decisive reset and suggested that only a manager with both full authority and substantial resources could rebuild the team. Mikel's remarks add to the growing debate over who should take charge as the club seeks to reverse a dramatic slide in form.
Photo: press material from the event
