By Our Correspondent
Manchester United have sacked head coach Michael Carrick following a disappointing run of results that has left the club struggling in the Premier League, with former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino emerging as the leading candidate to replace him.
Pochettino, currently head coach of the United States national team, is reportedly close to reaching an agreement with the English club. His release clause is estimated at $10 million (£7.5 million), although United would have to pay additional compensation to secure the services of his backroom staff.
Carrick’s dismissal followed an internal review led by the club’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, who recommended a managerial change to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s co-owner responsible for sporting operations.
Wilcox and United chief executive, Omar Berrada, reportedly travelled to Monaco to meet Ratcliffe before the decision was approved at a board meeting involving the Glazer family.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Carrick reported for work on Thursday morning, having continued his regular duties throughout the week.
In a statement announcing his departure, Manchester United said the decision followed a disappointing start to the season and was necessary to achieve the club’s ambitions.
“Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered,” the club said.
Pochettino emerged as United’s preferred option after the club considered several alternatives. Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe had featured on Wilcox’s shortlist, while Julian Nagelsmann, formerly of Germany and Bayern Munich, was initially favoured by director of recruitment Christopher Vivell.
Pochettino left Chelsea in May 2024 before taking charge of the United States national team four months later. His previous Premier League experience includes spells with Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea.
Carrick was appointed United’s head coach in May on a contract running until 2028, following an impressive interim spell that secured Champions League qualification.
He recorded 12 victories and three draws in 17 matches last season, raising expectations that he could restore stability and competitiveness to the club.
However, his performance this season fell short of expectations, with United managing just three victories in all competitions, including home wins against Ipswich, Sabah and Roma.
Although the team demonstrated resilience in recent matches, including a dramatic comeback against Roma and a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa after trailing by two goals, the club’s hierarchy reportedly remained unconvinced by Carrick’s ability to turn the season around.
United had given the former midfielder three matches following a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth to demonstrate that he remained the right man for the job.
However, performances against Roma and Aston Villa, alongside an earlier 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, reportedly reinforced the club’s concerns about the team’s direction and tactical approach.
The club’s position in 18th place in the Premier League was considered unacceptable by its leadership, further strengthening the case for a managerial change.
Carrick’s departure adds to the prolonged instability at Old Trafford since the exit of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
Manchester United have appointed eight managers during the period, including Ralf Rangnick, who served in an interim capacity for five months.
Carrick is also the second head coach to be dismissed by the club within a calendar year, following Ruben Amorim’s departure in January.
The latest development comes amid wider tensions within the club, including reported disagreements between captain Bruno Fernandes and Carrick over tactical decisions following a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como, as well as criticism of Wilcox by defender Lisandro Martínez.
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