Manchester United Sack Michael Carrick and Target Mauricio Pochettino as Successor

Manchester United has sacked head coach Michael Carrick after the club fell into the Premier League relegation zone, ESPN reported on Thursday.

The decision follows a period of decline for the club, which sits in the Premier League relegation zone after 10 league matches. This follows the dismissal of Ruben Amorim in January.

United is now working to finalize an agreement to hire United States men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino as Carrick’s successor, according to sources told ESPN. To secure the 54‑year‑old, United intends to trigger a $10 million (£7m) release clause in his contract with U.S. Soccer once personal terms are settled.

Carrick’s tenure at Old Trafford transitioned from triumph to crisis with startling speed. He originally took charge on an interim basis following Amorim’s dismissal in January, a period during which he secured a 2‑0 win over Manchester City and won 12 of 17 matches to finish third in the Premier League.

Michael Carrick has been sacked as Manchester United head coach — Sky Sports News

Club executives Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox met with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco on Wednesday to finalize the direction of the club, ESPN reported. This followed a “comprehensive review” of the team’s recent form, which included heavy defeats to Como and Bournemouth last month.

During that review, officials determined there was insufficient evidence to suggest the team was on the right path following three matches against Chelsea, Roma, and Aston Villa. The club said that being 18th in the league is “not acceptable.”

Manchester United Sack Michael Carrick and Target Mauricio Pochettino as Successor — Photo: global.espn.com

Mauricio Pochettino enters the fray with significant recent pedigree, having guided the United States to the round of 16 in this summer’s World Cup. While the club is moving quickly, they appear relaxed about the potential timing of his transition, which may involve managing the U.S.

Pochettino is viewed as the frontrunner because of his specific Premier League experience and the personality required to manage a relegation battle. While other names like Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann have been mentioned as candidates, Pochettino has previously interviewed for the United position on three occasions.

Michael Carrick Sacked Man United close to finalizing deal with Mauricio Pochettino — ESPN FC

Candidate	Status/Context
Mauricio Pochettino	Favored candidate; $10m release clause
Eddie Howe	Former Newcastle manager; admired by bosses
Julian Nagelsmann	Currently out of work; listed as an option
Kieran McKenna	Has supporters at Old Trafford

This move will affect finances and structure. Beyond the $10 million payout to U.S. Soccer, the club is looking for immediate stability. The goal is for Pochettino to arrive at the Carrington training complex by Wednesday at the latest.

This timeline is tight, as United is scheduled to face Liverpool at Anfield on Nov. 22. The club expects the bulk of its international players to return to Carrington by Wednesday to begin preparations under the new regime.

Manchester United Have Officially Sacked Michael Carrick — Football Tactics

The decision to move on from Carrick shows the pressure on the leadership structure led by Berrada, Wilcox, and Ratcliffe.

Former player Gary Neville has expressed skepticism regarding the direction of the club, suggesting the ownership lacks a clear understanding of the situation.