Manchester United are preparing for a major managerial change as Michael Carrick faces the possibility of losing his position following a disappointing start to the 2026/2027 season. Reports that Michael Carrick has been sacked have intensified after the club’s leadership reportedly decided to pursue a replacement. Former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the leading candidate to take charge at Old Trafford.
According to reports from Sky Sports and other British media outlets, United have reached an agreement in principle with Pochettino. The development follows discussions between senior club officials and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe over the team’s poor performances. However, Carrick’s dismissal had not received an official public confirmation as of Thursday, November 12.
The situation has attracted considerable attention because United now face the risk of spending another season outside the Premier League’s top positions, with their current results placing them in the relegation zone.
Michael Carrick Sacked as Manchester United Consider Managerial Change
Carrick’s future at Manchester United has become increasingly uncertain after a difficult run of results in domestic competitions. The club currently occupies 18th position in the Premier League table, having collected just eight points from its opening 10 matches.
Furthermore, United have recorded only one league victory this season and remain without a Premier League win in eight consecutive matches. Their poor form represents one of the club’s worst starts to a domestic campaign in several decades.
Sunday’s 4-4 draw against Aston Villa added further pressure on the manager. United twice recovered from two-goal deficits during the encounter at Old Trafford. However, their inability to secure a victory raised fresh concerns about the team’s defensive organisation and consistency.
Despite the team’s struggles, Carrick had continued to oversee training sessions while the club’s executives considered his future. Reports indicate that chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox travelled to Monaco for discussions with Ratcliffe.
The two officials reportedly planned to recommend a managerial change after reviewing the team’s performances and considering the club’s immediate needs. Their discussions also focused on identifying a suitable replacement who could improve the team’s results and restore confidence among supporters.
Mauricio Pochettino Emerges as Leading Replacement
Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino has moved closer to becoming Manchester United’s next head coach. The Argentine manager reportedly reached a verbal agreement in principle with the club after discussions about the vacant position.
Pochettino currently manages the United States men’s national team. He recently extended his contract until 2030, which means United must negotiate his departure before completing an appointment.
Reports suggest that Manchester United are prepared to pay approximately £7 million to activate the release clause in his contract. The amount would allow the club to secure his services without waiting for his existing agreement to expire.
The 54-year-old has considerable experience in European football, having previously managed Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. His time at Tottenham remains particularly notable because he guided the London club to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final.
He also won the French Ligue 1 title during his time at Paris Saint-Germain. These achievements have strengthened his reputation as an experienced manager capable of handling pressure at major European clubs.
However, taking charge of Manchester United would present a different challenge. Pochettino would inherit a struggling squad and face immediate expectations to improve results in the Premier League.
Liverpool Fixture Could Shape Manchester United’s Next Move
Manchester United’s managerial uncertainty comes at an important stage of their campaign. The club’s next Premier League fixture against Liverpool at Anfield is scheduled for November 22, following the international break.
The timing could create difficulties for a potential new manager, particularly if Pochettino needs to settle into the role before the match. He would also have limited time to assess the squad, establish his preferred tactics and prepare the players for one of English football’s biggest fixtures.
Nevertheless, United’s immediate priority remains resolving Carrick’s future and completing discussions with their preferred replacement.
For now, the club has not publicly confirmed Carrick’s departure. However, the reported agreement with Pochettino suggests that Manchester United are preparing for a significant change in their technical leadership as they attempt to rescue their struggling season.
