Manchester United have reportedly reached a verbal agreement in principle with Mauricio Pochettino to succeed Michael Carrick as manager, as the struggling English giants seek to rescue their domestic campaign. Carrick's position at Old Trafford has drawn intense scrutiny following the club's worst start to a season in four decades, leaving them stranded in the Premier League relegation zone after an eight-match winless streak.
Key figures meeting in Monaco on Wednesday, including influential minority shareholder Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada, and director of football Jason Wilcox, were set to determine Carrick's immediate future. Reports indicate that Berrada and Wilcox lean toward dismissing the current manager.
What are the terms surrounding Pochettino's potential appointment?
Pochettino, currently serving as the head coach of the United States national team, brings substantial Premier League experience from stints with Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea. However, having signed a contract extension just three months ago to lead the United States through the 2030 World Cup, securing his services would require triggering a $10 million (£7.5 million) release clause payable to US Soccer.
Despite these contractual commitments, reliable sources indicated Wednesday that United have secured an agreement in principle with Pochettino, who has been linked with the Old Trafford dugout on several previous occasions.
How has Carrick's tenure unfolded?
Although Carrick arrived at the Carrington training ground on Wednesday, his turbulent reign appears nearing its conclusion. The 45-year-old previously received a reprieve after widespread expectations of his dismissal following a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth in late October.
Subsequent results, including a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea and a dramatic 3-2 Champions League comeback win against Roma, kept him in the role temporarily. A thrilling 4-4 draw against Aston Villa—secured via two stoppage-time goals—briefly suggested the players retained belief in his leadership.
Nevertheless, a managerial change remains likely, with alternatives such as Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte, and Julian Nagelsmann also monitored by the club hierarchy. United now have the remainder of the two-week international break to finalize their leadership decision before facing fierce rivals Liverpool on November 22.
Carrick currently presides over a side sitting 18th in the standings, marking their lowest position after 10 matches since the 1986-87 campaign. Appointed permanently during the close-season following an encouraging interim spell that yielded a third-place finish, Carrick struggled following a transfer window that saw the club add midfielders Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba, and Andrey Santos while failing to secure necessary attacking reinforcements.
Internal friction also marked his tenure, including the disciplinary dropping of captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Lisandro Martinez after public criticisms of tactics and recruitment. Meanwhile, matchgoing supporters have largely directed their frustrations toward the club's ownership and hierarchy rather than the coaching staff.