Villarreal coach Unai Emery reveals what he expects from Carrick-led Man Utd
Villarreal coach Unai Emery does not expect Michael Carrick to make too many changes when Manchester United arrive in town on Tuesday.
Carrick has taken over temporary charge after the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Sunday. United’s poor performances and run of form became too much for the board to overlook and the 4-1 defeat at Watford was the final straw. And Carrick’s first game at the helm will be a crucial Champions League Group F encounter at Estadio de la Ceramica against Villarreal.
Former Arsenal boss Emery, who was axed by the Gunners two years ago this month, has sympathy for Solskjaer following his departure from Old Trafford.
Emery said: “As a coach, you don’t welcome the news that a colleague has lost his job. I have a lot of respect for Solskjaer because of his playing and coaching career. I’ve faced Solskjaer several times and above all, I value him as a great person.
“When there’s a coaching change, there’s a reaction one way or another. The focus will be more on the players than on the bench.
“The players know, even though they are professional and must always deliver, that they have to show their faces, for Manchester (United), for the coach that left and the one that has arrived or will come. I expect a very good Manchester United because of their players and the significance of this game.”
The two teams share the lead in the group on seven points with two games remaining. And Emery is expecting a tough test from United on Tuesday and feels they will raise their standards in Europe.
“They will find an extra motivation as it’s the Champions League. We know they are a strong team,” the former Arsenal boss said.
“They need to win and I don’t think there will be many changes. Perhaps certain tactical ones will be made, but we must be prepared to play against Cristiano Ronaldo, (Harry) Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, (David) De Gea and all the other great players that United has.”
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Maguire: We take huge responsibility
Meanwhile, United captain Harry Maguire, appearing alongside Carrick at Tuesday’s press conference, said players needed to take responsibility for the results that had led to Solskjaer’s exit.
“It’s been a very hard time for the players given the amount of respect that we have for the boss and what he’s done for a lot of us over the last two and a half years,” Maguire said.
“Of course the players need to take responsibility for everything on the football field. We’re the ones that cross that white line. We were in it together as a group – the management and players – and ultimately the manager has paid the price.
“We’re all disappointed. And we take huge responsibility. We haven’t been good enough as individuals and as a collective. We spoke about that. Now we’ve got to look forward to get the club back to where is was.
“The last few months have been nowhere near good enough.”
READ MORE: Solskjaer refused boardroom ‘support’, stayed loyal and fell on his sword
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