Manchester United could be closing in on a new manager, with head coach Michael Carrick reportedly set to be dismissed this week after a poor run of form. A crisis meeting is scheduled for Wednesday in Monaco, attended by club executives including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox.
Carrick Under Pressure After Poor Run
Carrick’s position has come under severe scrutiny after just one win in 11 games in all competitions. At the weekend, United were almost embarrassed at home against Aston Villa, falling behind by two goals twice inside the opening minutes of either half. The team roared back to draw, with Patrick Dorgu notching an injury-time equaliser, but the overall performance again raised concerns, with the 20-time Premier League champions mired in the relegation zone after 10 matches.
Pochettino Emerges as Favourite
A three-strong shortlist has come to the fore for replacements, with former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, ex-Bayern Munich and Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, and Mauricio Pochettino, currently head coach of the USA national team, all considered. Pochettino, formerly of Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea, has been linked with the Old Trafford hotseat before and has emerged as a wildcard candidate after not featuring in early reporting.
According to David Ornstein on The Athletic FC podcast, the Argentine could be United’s preferred option, should they be willing to meet the $10 million release clause in his USMNT contract. “Julian Nagelsmann is a name that has been mentioned, but I don’t hear that he’s one Manchester United are looking to pursue,” Ornstein said. “Eddie Howe has been heavily rumoured, but I don’t hear that he’s one they’re looking to pursue. So, by the process of elimination, you get to someone like Mauricio Pochettino.”
Previous Interest and Decision Timeline
Pochettino, now 54, has been previously considered by Ineos for a couple of positions, firstly at Nice and more recently with United. “In 2024, When [Erik] ten Hag’s job was on the line, United spoke to Pochettino,” Ornstein continued. “I did not hear the best feedback from how it went. I was told they were a little underwhelmed regarding his coaching at the time, his hunger, his work rate. They ended up taking [Thomas] Tuchel and [Roberto] De Zerbi as their ‘final two’ and before ultimately giving Ten Hag a new contract.”
A final decision on Carrick’s future is not expected until Thursday this week, after the United board’s meeting in Monaco.
