Key points

  • Manchester United have opened talks with US coach Mauricio Pochettino to replace Michael Carrick, according to the BBC and other British media.
  • Carrick's future is set to be decided at a meeting in Monaco involving shareholder Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada, and director of football Jason Wilcox.
  • Pochettino is under contract with the United States through the 2030 World Cup and reportedly holds a $10 million release clause.

Manchester United have initiated discussions with United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino about taking over the managerial reins from Michael Carrick, according to reports from the BBC and British media outlets.

Key Details

Carrick's position at Old Trafford has faced intense scrutiny following the club's worst start to a season in 40 years, placing them in the Premier League relegation zone after an eight-match winless run. According to the BBC and British media, a decisive meeting regarding Carrick's future is scheduled in Monaco, attended by influential shareholder Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada, and director of football Jason Wilcox, with Berrada and Wilcox reportedly leaning toward dismissing Carrick.

Pochettino brings extensive Premier League experience from his previous tenures at Southampton, Tottenham, and Chelsea. British media noted that United had previously approached the former Argentina defender on three occasions: when Jose Mourinho was sacked in 2018, before Erik ten Hag's appointment in 2022, and again following the Dutchman's dismissal in 2024. However, having signed a contract extension just three months ago to manage the United States through the 2030 World Cup, US Soccer would be owed compensation, with the BBC reporting a $10 million (£7.5 million) release clause.

Context and Impact

Carrick, who arrived at the Carrington training ground on Wednesday, has experienced a turbulent tenure. Initially granted a reprieve after a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth in late October, his team subsequently suffered a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea and managed a 3-2 Champions League win against Roma after falling two goals down. A 4-4 draw against Aston Villa, where United scored twice in stoppage time, briefly suggested the players were still fighting for him. Other names linked with the managerial vacancy include former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, ex-Chelsea chief Antonio Conte, and former Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Summary and What Next

United currently sit 18th in the table, marking their lowest position after 10 games into a top-flight season since 1986/87, when they were 20th. The club has the remainder of the two-week international break to resolve their managerial situation before returning to action against rivals Liverpool on November 22.