Manchester United are considering replacing manager Michael Carrick, with former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino emerging as the leading candidate to take over, according to ESPN. The report says United's hierarchy is increasingly convinced that a managerial change is necessary after the team dropped into the Premier League relegation zone.
The club's senior leadership, including co-chairman Joel Glazer, minority owner Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, has been assessing Carrick's position. The 45-year-old is under pressure after United's worst-ever start to a Premier League season left them 18th in the table, with just one win in their first 10 league matches.
United had previously decided to give Carrick more time to turn things around, but his prospects of remaining in charge have since deteriorated, ESPN reports.
Pochettino, currently head coach of the United States national team, is regarded as the preferred candidate. The 54-year-old Argentine extended his contract with the U.S. Soccer Federation until 2030 in August, after guiding the team to the round of 16 at this year's World Cup. A source told ESPN that his contract includes a release clause worth 10 million US dollars, or approximately £7.4 million, which United would have to pay to secure his services.
Pochettino has interviewed for the United job on three previous occasions. Club officials reportedly believe his Premier League experience and personality could help pull the team out of danger and restore its fortunes. Other candidates admired by United's management include former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann and Kieran McKenna, who was interviewed for the position in 2024.
Why Carrick Remains Under Scrutiny
Carrick was appointed United manager on a two-year contract in the summer after guiding the club to Champions League qualification following his arrival as interim manager in January. United had believed his success last season justified a longer-term opportunity, despite his limited previous managerial experience with Championship side Middlesbrough.
Senior figures have been alarmed by the team's decline in performances and results this season. Crisis talks were held among club officials in late October following a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth that extended United's winless run to eight matches, though Carrick remained in charge and continued taking training afterward. After retaining him following that defeat, the club gave Carrick and the players an opportunity to improve before the international break.
Since the Bournemouth loss on October 25, United lost 0-2 to Chelsea, beat Roma 3-2 and drew 4-4 with Aston Villa on November 8. Those results showed some signs of improvement: United were promising in the first half against Chelsea, mounted a second-half comeback against Roma, and twice recovered from behind against Aston Villa. Carrick received applause from supporters as he left the pitch after the draw with Villa, and United's management reportedly viewed the fightbacks against Roma and Villa as signs the squad continued to support him.
Defensive problems remain a major concern, however. United conceded eight goals across those three matches and fell two goals behind three times, once against Roma and twice against Aston Villa. Carrick has won only one of the four matches since the club decided to give him another opportunity, according to ESPN.
What Happens Next
United's management has continued discussions about Carrick's future, though the club is reportedly not rushing to make a decision and is still evaluating the team's progress. Manchester United's next match is against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22, following the international break, giving the club's management further time to assess performances before deciding whether Carrick will remain in charge.
