Man United Sack Carrick As Pochettino Emerges As Successor

Manchester United have parted ways with Michael Carrick following a disappointing start to the 2026/2027 season, with former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino emerging as the leading candidate to take charge at Old Trafford.

The decision was announced on Thursday, November 12, after the club’s leadership reviewed the team’s performances and concluded that a managerial change was necessary to meet its ambitions.

Carrick’s departure comes after United slipped to 18th position in the Premier League, collecting just eight points from their opening 10 matches and recording only one league victory.

The former England midfielder initially took charge in January after Ruben Amorim’s departure. He made a strong impression during his interim spell, guiding United to third place in the 2025/2026 league campaign and securing Champions League qualification.

His performances earned him a permanent contract, but the team’s fortunes have changed sharply this season.

United’s difficult run included defeats to Como and Bournemouth, a loss to Chelsea and a disappointing 4-4 draw against Aston Villa. Although the club recorded a Champions League comeback victory over Roma, the improvement was not enough to save Carrick’s position.

The club’s chief executive, Omar Berrada, and director of football, Jason Wilcox, reportedly held discussions with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco before the decision was finalised.

Pochettino has been identified as the preferred replacement, with reports indicating that an agreement in principle had been reached before Carrick’s dismissal.

The Argentine is currently head coach of the United States men’s national team, having recently extended his contract until 2030. Manchester United would therefore need to negotiate his release and meet the compensation requirements attached to his agreement.

Pochettino brings considerable Premier League experience, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea. He also led Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final and won the French league title during his time at Paris Saint-Germain.

His possible appointment comes at a crucial moment for United, who must address their league position and restore consistency before the season moves further into its decisive stages.

The club has indicated that it intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible. Pochettino’s expected arrival, however, will depend on the completion of arrangements involving his current national-team commitment.

United are scheduled to return to Premier League action against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22, making the managerial transition an important issue ahead of the fixture.

Carrick leaves after a brief permanent spell that began with considerable expectations but ended following a difficult opening to the new campaign.

About The Author