Manchester United players believe Michael Carrick has been treated unfairly following his dismissal as head coach, with some feeling he has been 'hung out to dry' by the club's board.
Carrick was appointed at the start of the year as interim head coach after Ruben Amorim's departure and guided United to a third-place finish, earning a permanent two-year contract. However, a difficult start to the new season, with just three wins in 15 matches across all competitions and only one in 10 Premier League games, has cost him his job.
Players' Concerns
According to the Daily Mail, some players believe the club's problems run deeper than the identity of the coach, while others are angry at how United have conducted themselves in their search for a new manager. Carrick has continued to take training several times this week despite it being clear he was set to lose his job, and the club have been criticised for not sacking him sooner.
Pochettino Set to Take Over
United have a verbal agreement with Mauricio Pochettino to take over from Carrick, and the club are finalising a formal approach to US Soccer. Pochettino would have been available for free in the summer when his contract with the USMNT expired, but United will now have to pay a release clause of around £7 million to secure the Argentine's services.
Former midfielder Paul Scholes, speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, said: "I actually think he is a brilliant appointment, could be perfect for Manchester United, but I just have that slight concern we are not getting his best years, which worries a little bit."
Scholes added: "The other thing he has to do (is) take full control of this football club now, almost in a way that Sir Alex Ferguson did. Forget Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada bringing in players in or the head of recruitment, whoever it is, he has got to have a massive say. The only way I am coming to this football club is if I choose the players, I buy the players, and then you live by the sword, you die by the sword. That is it."
Pochettino's First Matches
Pochettino's first assignment in charge will be against Liverpool in the first match back after the international break, followed by an away trip to Sporting and then his first home game at Old Trafford against Brentford.
