Manchester United are expected to confirm Michael Carrick's departure as manager today, with Mauricio Pochettino lined up to replace him.
The announcement could follow a meeting of the Old Trafford hierarchy, including Jim Ratcliffe, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, in Monaco on Wednesday. The decision to relieve Carrick of his duties has been widely accepted, but the club has yet to officially confirm his exit.
Worst start in 40 years
Carrick's future has been the subject of constant speculation in recent weeks, despite being made permanent manager only during the summer. Under his guidance, the Red Devils have recorded their worst start in 40 years and currently sit in the relegation zone.
The former United midfielder was given three games to save his job following defeats to Como and Bournemouth last month. However, two comebacks in four days, which produced a win against Roma and a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa, appear not to have been enough.
Pochettino targeted as replacement
It is understood that Ratcliffe and the Glazers signed off on the recommendation from Wilcox and Berrada that a change in the dugout was needed. Pochettino is expected to be that change, with United making contact with USA Soccer to trigger the manager's £7.5 million release clause.
Pochettino has a contract with US Soccer until 2030, when he was expected to guide the team at the next World Cup. Instead, United will pay in the region of £7.5 million to bring him back to the Premier League.
There is also the matter of paying out Carrick, who signed a deal until 2028 earlier this year. A one-year break clause is believed to have been inserted into his £5 million-a-year deal, meaning United will be liable for around £3 million.
Personal terms agreed
United bosses have selected Pochettino as their top target to replace Carrick, with the Argentine finally set to arrive at Old Trafford after 10 years of talks. Pochettino has been linked with the job on several occasions, but now looks set to land it, with United making contact to trigger his release clause as USA national team coach last night.
It is understood that personal terms have already been agreed, meaning the process could now move quite quickly.
This marks the third consecutive season in which Manchester United look set to sack their manager, with Carrick having been the saviour in the 2025/26 campaign but surplus to requirements in 2026/27. As soon as the club confirms his departure, immediate reaction is expected to follow.
