Man United Eye Pochettino As Carrick Faces Exit

Manchester United are moving closer to a managerial change, with former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino emerging as the leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick at Old Trafford.

The development follows a disappointing start to the 2026/2027 Premier League campaign, which has left the English giants in the relegation zone and intensified questions about Carrick’s ability to turn the club’s fortunes around.

United’s senior officials, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, are expected to recommend Carrick’s dismissal during a meeting with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco on Wednesday.

Although no final decision had been announced as of Wednesday morning, reports indicate that the club’s leadership is increasingly inclined to end Carrick’s tenure.

The 45-year-old was appointed permanently after an impressive interim spell last season, during which he helped United secure Champions League qualification. However, his success has not translated into consistent results in the current campaign.

United have managed just one victory in their opening 10 league matches and collected eight points, leaving them 18th in the table. The club’s poor start has been described as its worst opening to a top-flight season in about 40 years.

Their recent performances have offered little reassurance. United lost 2-0 to Chelsea, recovered from a two-goal deficit to defeat Roma 3-2 in the Champions League, and then fought back from 4-2 down to draw 4-4 with Aston Villa.

The results have exposed defensive weaknesses and raised fresh concerns about the team’s consistency, despite occasional signs of improvement.

Pochettino has now become the leading name in discussions about Carrick’s possible replacement. The Argentine, who currently manages the United States men’s national team, is reportedly open to taking charge at Old Trafford if the club makes a formal move.

The 54-year-old has considerable Premier League experience, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea. His Tottenham side also reached the 2019 UEFA Champions League final.

Pochettino signed a contract extension with the United States in August, reportedly keeping him in the role until 2030. However, reports indicate that his agreement contains a release clause worth about $10 million, or approximately £7.5 million.

United are reportedly prepared to meet the financial requirements if they decide to appoint him, although compensation could increase if he brings members of his coaching staff.

Other managers linked with the vacancy include Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte and Unai Emery, but Pochettino is currently regarded as the strongest option.

Carrick’s uncertain position has also revived concerns about Manchester United’s repeated changes in managerial leadership since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Former managers Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim both left after difficult spells, while the club has faced criticism over its recruitment decisions, executive disagreements and lack of a consistent football strategy.

Carrick’s possible departure could therefore become another major test of the club’s leadership, particularly as supporters continue to demand a clear direction and improved performances.

United are expected to resume their Premier League campaign against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22, following the international break. Whether Carrick will still be in charge for that fixture remains uncertain.

The immediate focus, however, is on the Monaco meeting, where Ratcliffe and the club’s senior executives are expected to determine the next step in a managerial crisis that has placed one of England’s most successful clubs in an unfamiliar position.