Mauricio Pochettino Favored to Replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United

Mauricio Pochettino Favored to Replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United

by

Mauricio Pochettino targets Manchester United return

Mauricio Pochettino is the frontrunner to replace Michael Carrick as the manager of Manchester United, ESPN reported on Monday evening.

The U.S. men’s national team head coach has emerged as the leading candidate to take over at Old Trafford as the club faces a historic crisis. Manchester United currently sits within the relegation zone during the November international break, a position that has placed Carrick on the brink of being fired.

The club’s leadership is currently weighing the decision to move on from Carrick following a disastrous start to the Premier League season. This internal deliberation involves co-chairman Joel Glazer, minority owner Jim Ratcliffe, CEO Omar Berrada, and director of football Jason Wilcox.

A Premier League comeback looms

While Pochettino recently signed a four-year contract extension with the USMNT in August, a return to English football remains a distinct possibility. Following the U.S. team’s run to the Round of 16 in the World Cup this past summer, reports suggest his contract contains a release clause. According to talkSPORT, that clause is believed to be approximately $10 million.

The Independent reported that “moves were afoot” on Monday to facilitate Pochettino’s arrival at Manchester United. Further corroborating this shift, talkSPORT described the USMNT coach as the “leading candidate” to replace Carrick.

Pochettino has expressed interest in the role. The BBC reported that sources told the outlet the former Chelsea and Tottenham manager would be open to taking the job at Manchester United.

Manchester england michael carrick of manchester united celebrates as he scores their first

The stakes at Old Trafford

The urgency of the managerial search is driven by a shocking dip in performance that threatens the club’s standing in English football. Manchester United recently played to a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, a result that intensified speculation regarding a coaching change.

If the current trajectory continues, the club faces the prospect of relegation, a feat that has not occurred for Manchester United since the 1973-74 season.

‘POOR CARRICK!’ 🥲 Manchester United on the brink of SACKING Michael Carrick 😲 | ESPN FC

While Pochettino is the favored candidate, the club is considering several other high-profile options. Reported potential replacements include:

  • Eddie Howe
  • Sebastian Hoeness
  • Antonio Conte
  • Julian Nagelsmann

Timing for the USMNT

Pochettino’s potential departure would leave the USMNT in a state of transition following their recent World Cup success. For Manchester United, the decision rests with a “brain trust” looking to stabilize one of the world’s most renowned football clubs during its most precarious competitive period in decades.

More on Manchester United

🚨🔥🔥 BOMBA MAN UNITED! CARRICK SHOCK! ALMOST OUT! POCHETTINO, THREE CANDIDATES, THE CLAUSES, THE LIST
Michael Carrick’s Man Utd future looks increasingly in doubt

More on this

Read next