How Man Utd could line up under Unai Emery if he replaces Michael Carrick and gets full control at club

Manchester United dream of Unai Emery becoming their next manager and, if their fantasy somehow becomes a reality, this is how they could line up under the Spaniard.

Emery is among the contenders on United's shortlist to replace Michael Carrick if he is sacked. That has become an increasing possibility recently, especially after his side extended their winless run to nine matches in all competitions after losing 2-0 to Chelsea on Saturday.

Carrick will be in charge for their Champions League clash against Roma (November 3), and then Aston Villa's visit to Old Trafford (November 8) before INEOS assess his long-term future. Should they relieve the 45-year-old of his duties during the international break, then successfully appointing Emery would create an exciting scenario ahead of the January transfer window.

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How Man United could line up under Unai Emery if he replaces Michael Carrick

To prise the serial Europa League winner away from Villa Park, United would reportedly have to pay £20million in compensation.

The Spaniard is under contract at the Midlands club until 2029, having penned a five-year deal in 2024, making it increasingly difficult for any club - not just Man United - to persuade him to leave an institution where he is adored.

But if the dream scenario unfolds and Emery replaces Carrick in the Old Trafford dugout, expect him to overhaul the squad in the next transfer windows.

During his managerial career, the 55-year-old has predominantly used a flexible 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 formation that dynamically morphs into different shapes depending on whether the team is building up play, attacking, or defending.

United already have some personnel who would fit seamlessly into his system, but he would need to be backed by INEOS in January, using the window as an opportunity to sign players he wants.

Going off the basis that the Red Devils need at least four new signings, including three new defenders and a striker, Emery would transform their starting lineup across the pitch, but it would be the exact same in between the sticks.

Senne Lammens has undoubtedly done enough to keep his spot in goal, having established himself as one of their most important players since joining from Royal Antwerp for an initial €21m (£18.1m) in September 2025.

In front of him is where the team surely sees wholesale changes, starting with the omission of Lisandro Martinez, who sees his contract expire next summer and made headlines for the wrong reasons following his explosive interview after their 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite could replace him at the back. The 24-year-old is United's top defensive target and boasts every attribute Emery looks for in a defender, notably his aerial strength, ability to read the game and distribute the ball from deep.

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Next to Branthwaite, Emery could show faith in 20-year-old Leny Yoro, who has been shoehorned into right back this season but was developing into a top centre-back under Carrick's predecessor, Ruben Amorim. Emery is known for getting the best out of young players, and Yoro would certainly fulfill his potential under him.

Man United's dream lineup under Unai Emery

At right back, United have had problems for a while, with neither Diogo Dalot nor Noussair Mazraoui cementing their place. It wouldn't be surprising if the Spaniard tried to prise Matty Cash to the club from Villa Park, having established himself as one of the Premier League's most consistent full-backs and becoming one of the manager's favourites.

Cash's top-flight would be complemented on the opposite side, too, with the addition of Rayan Ait-Nouri. Left back is another position that is crying out for investment, and Man United have been offered the chance to sign Ait-Nouri on loan from their rivals Manchester City.

Emery likes both of his full-backs to overlap and offer an attacking threat. The Algerian certainly ticks that box and would improve United's output in wide areas, while becoming a potential long-term replacement for Luke Shaw.

In front of the defence, Youri Tielemans would relish a reunion with Emery. He was the centrepiece under his stewardship at Villa and, while his start at Old Trafford has been disappointing, he would once again become a crucial cog in his 4-2-3-1 system.

Man United's £70million signing Carlos Baleba would continue his starting role as a combative presence alongside Tielemans. Ahead of them, the former Sevilla boss would deploy Bruno Fernandes in his free-roaming number 10 role

Although the Portuguese international was blasted for calling out Carrick's tactics after the 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League, Emery would relish working with someone as talented as the 32-year-old. But he would need to improve his work ethic to become a mainstay in the team.

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, two key players in Carrick's current side, would be used on the left and right flanks. However, there would be a change up top, with Ollie Watkins rounding out the team.

Watkins spent an incredible three-and-a-half years under Emery at Villa, where he became the club's top Premier League goalscorer. He then left for Al-Hilal this summer; however, with United crying out for a new striker following Benjamin Sesko's injury, the England international would offer them the clinical edge they've been lacking up top.