Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is expected to lose his job following a turbulent start to the Premier League season, Aftonbladet reported.
Club officials are actively working to find a replacement before the team’s next fixture against Liverpool on November 22, according to sources cited by The Athletic. The decision ultimately requires formal approval from co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family, who hold a major stake in the club.
The mounting pressure on the 45-year-old manager follows a dramatic 4–4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford. That result left United languishing in the relegation zone with just eight points from their opening ten league matches.
🚨 Manchester United intend to relieve Michael Carrick of duties. #MUFC say no final decision & nothing set in stone but work undertaken on replacements + multiple sources anticipate change before Liverpool. W/ @lauriewhitwell @AdamCrafton_ @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/E1W3QbGYx1
Former club captain Gary Neville laid the blame squarely on the club’s recruitment strategy rather than the dugout. “The reason why Manchester United has conceded four goals is because they haven’t invested in the defense during the transfer window,” Neville told NBC Sports.
His brother, Phil Neville, echoed those concerns regarding the backline that finished the Aston Villa match, stating that the defense is “not enough to play in the Premier League.”
Several high-profile names have emerged as potential successors as the club evaluates its options during the international break. Mauricio Pochettino, currently serving as the head coach of the United States national team, is held in high regard by the club hierarchy, according to The Athletic. BBC reported that Pochettino is open to a move to Manchester United and holds a contractual clause allowing an exit for specific prominent positions.
Michael Carrick’s job as Manchester United manager is now in significant danger with club officials exploring a change. As reported on @talkSPORT this morning, the United board are assessing Carrick’s position during the international break. Although no decision has been made… pic.twitter.com/WCIwo0ajLl
Other candidates reportedly under consideration include former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and former Germany national team boss Julian Nagelsmann. Talksport also points to Pochettino as the leading candidate, noting that Carrick’s contract reportedly contains a clause allowing the club to terminate the agreement after one year with reduced financial penalties.
Mauricio Pochettino is regarded as a leading candidate by club leadership, with reports indicating he holds an exit clause in his contract with the United States national team for high-profile managerial roles.
Multiple sources expect a managerial change to be finalized before Manchester United returns to Premier League action against Liverpool on November 22.
Manchester United sits in 18th place in the Premier League standings, having accumulated eight points from their first ten matches of the season.