Manchester United have sacked head coach Michael Carrick following a disastrous start to the season, with the club reportedly reaching a verbal agreement with US national team coach Mauricio Pochettino to replace him.
The club has yet to confirm Carrick’s successor but said it intends to appoint a permanent replacement as quickly as possible.
CNN Sports understands that Pochettino has reached a verbal agreement with United, although discussions involving the club, the Argentine and US Soccer are expected to continue this week before any appointment is confirmed.
Carrick, who took charge on an interim basis in January, initially helped revive the team’s fortunes towards the end of last season.
His performance earned him the permanent position in May, when he signed a two-year contract with the club he previously represented as a player.
However, United have won just once in 10 Premier League matches this season, marking their worst league start in 40 years.
The poor run has left the Red Devils in 18th place, inside the relegation zone.
‘After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions,’ United said in a statement on Thursday.
The club described Carrick as a Manchester United legend, praising his dedication, professionalism and leadership during his time in charge.
‘His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered,’ it said.
Carrick’s departure also makes him the seventh permanent head coach to be dismissed by United since the departure of legendary manager Alex Ferguson in 2013.
The club’s difficult season has also been marked by several controversies, including public outbursts from captain Bruno Fernandes and growing frustration among supporters towards the players.
Pochettino emerges as leading candidate
Pochettino is expected to remain in charge of the United States for its upcoming matches against Haiti on Saturday and Tuesday before any potential move to Old Trafford.
The Argentine has previously been linked with United but the two parties never reached an agreement.
A former professional footballer, Pochettino represented clubs including Spanish side Espanyol and French giants Paris Saint-Germain, as well as Argentina at the 2002 World Cup.
He began his managerial career at Espanyol before establishing his reputation in English football with Southampton.
He subsequently joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2014, transforming the London club into a competitive side and guiding it to the UEFA Champions League final in 2019, where it lost to Liverpool.
Pochettino later managed Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea before taking charge of the United States in 2024.
Known for developing young players, an attacking style of football and a firm management approach, he has been regarded as one of the leading coaches in world football.
Although his project with the United States initially took time to develop, he subsequently led the team through an impressive World Cup campaign.
He now has the opportunity to take charge of a Manchester United side seeking to restore its former standing in English and European football.
Manchester United face another rebuilding challenge
Carrick’s dismissal has once again raised questions about the club’s management and ownership.
Reports that United’s hierarchy was due to meet in Monaco on Wednesday to discuss replacing Carrick created uncertainty over his future, even as he continued conducting training sessions as normal.
The handling of his departure has added to criticism of the club’s leadership, particularly under co-owner Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group, which took charge of football operations a few years ago.
Their arrival was initially expected to revitalise a club that had struggled under the ownership of the Glazer family.
The changes included an upgraded training facility, plans for a new stadium and a revamped management structure, with Omar Berrada appointed chief executive and Jason Wilcox named sporting director.
United had initially targeted winning the Premier League in 2028 as part of their rebuilding plans.
However, the project has struggled to deliver the expected results, with Carrick becoming the third head coach to fail under the current football leadership, following Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
The club has spent millions on compensation following managerial changes, while performances on the pitch have continued to disappoint.
Whoever takes over will face major challenges, including addressing weaknesses in the squad, improving the players’ confidence and navigating the club’s management structure.
Winning back supporters will also be crucial.
Despite the team’s struggles under Carrick, many fans continued to support the former midfielder, directing much of their frustration towards the players and the club’s hierarchy.
The next head coach will therefore face the difficult task of changing a culture that has increasingly been viewed as an obstacle to the club’s return to success.
