Michael Carrick’s future at Manchester United looks increasingly uncertain. His position as head coach is reported to be under serious threat, and Mauricio Pochettino is said to be open to a conversation if the club approaches him. United have not made it official, but the signs point to a change.
Michael Carrick Future: No Final Decision, but Pressure Is Mounting
The club maintain that no final decision has been taken on Carrick’s Old Trafford future. Behind the scenes, though, work is reported to have started on possible replacements, and a change is widely anticipated before the trip to Liverpool on November 22.
Any final call is expected to need the approval of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family. If United do part ways with Carrick, they are reported to want a permanent successor rather than an interim head coach.
Why Carrick Is Under Pressure at Man Utd
Results explain the doubt. United go into the international break 18th in the Premier League and in the relegation zone, with just one win from their first 10 league games. You can follow the latest standings on the official Premier League table.
Recent games brought a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea, a 3-2 comeback win over Roma and a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa. United have also conceded 30 goals, more than any other side in Europe’s top five leagues. Against Villa they twice fell two goals behind before rescuing a point in stoppage time. The fightback showed spirit, but it did not hide the defensive problems. Former United captain Roy Keane has criticised the head coach for not doing enough to fix the team.
Mauricio Pochettino Open to Man Utd Talks
Pochettino is reported to be the leading candidate to replace Carrick. He is understood to be open to talks if United make an approach, and the club have discussed the job with him before.
Cost would be a factor. Pochettino is under contract as head coach of the United States, and his release clause is reported at around £7m to £7.4m ($10 million). United would also have to pay extra to bring his backroom staff. The former Tottenham, Chelsea and PSG coach led the United States to the round of 16 at this summer’s World Cup. His current employer is U.S. Soccer, which would have to agree to any exit.
Other Candidates on United’s Radar
Pochettino is not the only name. Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Kieran McKenna are all reported to be under consideration. No substantive talks with other candidates have been reported so far.
From Interim Boss to Permanent Head Coach
Carrick’s rise was quick. He took charge in January after Ruben Amorim’s departure, guided the club to Champions League qualification and signed a two-year contract in the summer. That makes the sudden slide hard to explain for supporters who saw hope in his appointment.
What Happens Next for Man Utd?
United have the rest of the international break to find a replacement before facing Liverpool at Anfield. With most players away on international duty, the club have breathing space for a full review of the season.
Until the club speaks, nothing is confirmed. If Pochettino is approached, his buyout cost and the fixture list will shape how fast United can move.
