Manchester United have made their worst start to a league campaign since 1986, prompting the dismissal of head coach Michael Carrick.
The club is working to finalise a deal for former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino, according to multiple reports.
Carrick, who led the team to third place last season, was informed of his departure on Thursday morning. His exit comes after overseeing just one win in 15 matches in all competitions this season, leaving the club 18th in the table. “Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend,” the club said in a confirmation of his sacking.
We can confirm Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.
Behind the Decision
United’s leadership, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, met with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco earlier this week to discuss Carrick’s future. The BBC reported that Carrick’s agent was contacted on Monday, and Wilcox spoke with the manager on Tuesday to communicate a recommendation would be made about his position.
The club prioritized a three-game stretch against Chelsea, Roma, and Aston Villa following heavy defeats. However, the results—a defeat, a victory, and a draw—were deemed insufficient to save Carrick’s job, with sources indicating a lack of progress in team structure, highlighted by conceding eight goals.
🚨 Manchester United are now set to seal the agreement for Mauricio Pochettino to become the new head coach. Talks underway with US Federation after the verbal agreement reached with Pochettino and his camp. Matter of (short) time. 🔴🇦🇷 #mufc pic.twitter.com/vGkjOQ7cjH
Pochettino Pathway
A framework for Pochettino’s appointment is reportedly in place. The 54-year-old Argentine has a $10m (£7m) release clause in his contract with the United States national team, and United are understood to be comfortable with him remaining in charge of the USA for their upcoming two games against Haiti.
According to Sky Sports, a verbal agreement in principle has been reached with Pochettino, though he is expected to be in charge of the USA for their upcoming matches. Talks with US Soccer are set to accelerate over the next 24 hours to provide clarity on the situation.
Michael Carrick has departed his role as @ManUtd's first-team head coach, the club has confirmed. pic.twitter.com/yWnw8AjmsQ
A History of Pursuit
The pursuit of Pochettino is not new to Old Trafford. The Guardian notes that “United are always on the verge of appointing Pochettino,” with the Argentine having held talks with the club on several occasions. This includes 2022, when the club appointed Erik ten Hag instead.
Sir Alex Ferguson is said to have long admired Pochettino, and the relationship between the two managers has been a point of interest for years. This history adds a layer of familiarity to what would be a high-stakes reunion with the club.
The Challenge Ahead
Whoever takes over the United helm faces a difficult task. The squad is described as “unbalanced, lacking confidence and quality in key areas, including at left-back and up front.” The Guardian frames the potential appointment as a “meeting of last chances and final saloons,” suggesting a shared sense of redemption for both the club and the manager.
Pochettino’s own managerial career has had its ups and downs. His tenure at Paris Saint-Germain from January 2021 to July 2022, where he won his only major trophies, is seen by some as a period where he arrived “pre-burnt out.” The challenge at United will be to rebuild a squad that has seen seven managers dismissed by the club since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
🚨🔴 OFFICIAL: Michael Carrick has been sacked, Manchester United confirm. pic.twitter.com/UYsFpAmUi3
Manchester United May Appoint Pochettino After Liverpool Trip
Manchester United are due to return to action on 22 November, with a trip to rivals Liverpool. The club has stated its intention to appoint a permanent successor “as quickly as possible.”
Pochettino led training in Georgia on Wednesday but scheduled media availability with players was scrapped. US Soccer confirmed the cancellation was in observance of Veterans Day.
“There is nothing surprising in the news Manchester United may be on the verge of appointing Mauricio Pochettino. United are always on the verge of appointing Pochettino.”
“— The Guardian”
Why Michael Carrick Was Sacked and Pochettino Hiring Details
Why was Michael Carrick sacked?
Carrick was sacked due to the team’s poor start to the season, which included overseeing just one win in the league during a campaign that has seen the club’s worst start since 1986.
How much will it cost to hire Pochettino?
Pochettino has a release clause in his contract with the USA national team worth a reported $10m (£7m), which United are aware of.
When will Pochettino officially start at Manchester United?
There is no official start date yet, but Pochettino is expected to remain with the USA for their two games against Haiti before joining United. The club aims to appoint a permanent successor “as quickly as possible.”
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