Mauricio Pochettino Emerges as Leading Candidate to Replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United

Manchester United are expected to part ways with head coach Michael Carrick during the November international break, and United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the leading candidate to take over at Old Trafford. The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that United intend to relieve Carrick of his duties, although the club continues to insist that no final decision has been reached.

The move follows a dismal start to the Premier League season. United sit 18th in the table with eight points from 10 games, and Manchester United’s 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday left them in the relegation zone heading into the international break. The club have not won a league match since 30 August, recording three defeats and five draws in that run.

A decision meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 10 November in Monaco, where co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will lead discussions with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Berrada and Wilcox will formally recommend parting ways with Carrick, with confirmation potentially coming within 24 hours.

Why Pochettino Tops United’s Shortlist

Pochettino, 54, is the bookmakers’ favourite and the name most consistently linked with the job across Monday night’s reporting. Reuters reports that the Argentine is the top candidate to be the next Manchester United manager, citing ESPN’s reporting on Monday evening. The former Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager is understood to be open to a return to the Premier League, despite signing a new four-year deal with the United States in the summer.

His record in England is the strongest argument in his favour. At Tottenham he reached the 2019 Champions League final and built a young, high-pressing side that challenged for the title, while his spells at Southampton, PSG and Chelsea gave him experience across three of Europe’s top leagues. United previously considered him before appointing Erik ten Hag in 2022, and he has never hidden his long-term desire to manage in the Premier League again.

The financial picture also appears manageable. The Athletic reports that the buyout clause in Pochettino’s current USMNT contract is in the region of $10 million, roughly £7.4 million, a figure multiple sources believe would not prove prohibitive. That compares with a reported £3 million compensation claim for former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, another name on United’s list.

The Carrick Tenure Unravels After Villa Draw

Carrick signed a contract until 2028 after an impressive interim spell, but results have collapsed this season. His deal is understood to contain a one-year break clause, which would make an exit more affordable than the departures of previous United managers.

The 4-4 draw with Aston Villa proved the breaking point. United have now spent longer in the bottom three than at any point since 1986, and the international break gives the hierarchy a window to act before the trip to Anfield. When asked directly whether he would resign, Carrick declined to offer one, leaving the decision to the club’s leadership.

TNT Sports’ Paper Round summarises the reporting in the Tuesday papers, noting that work on replacements is already under way and that a change is anticipated before the Liverpool match in 13 days’ time. A final call requires approval from Ratcliffe and the Glazer family, who remain the club’s majority owners.

Timing Complications Around the USMNT Job

Pochettino’s availability is not straightforward. He only extended his United States contract in August 2026, taking it through to 2030 after leading the Americans to the round of 16 at the summer World Cup. The US national team open camp this week ahead of a CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final against Haiti, with legs on 14 and 17 November.

The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell has explained that Pochettino is unlikely to leave before both legs of that tie, with the second leg falling on 18 November, just four days before United face Liverpool. That timetable suggests any appointment could be announced while he is still technically in charge of the United States, or delayed until after the international window closes.

His main home remains in London, and he has spoken in the past about wanting to return to English football. Those personal circumstances, combined with the release clause, make him the most realistic option among the leading names.

Who Else Is in the Frame

Eddie Howe is the second favourite with bookmakers at 3/1, behind Pochettino at 5/2, after reports that he has been studying United and making notes on the squad. Julian Nagelsmann, most recently in charge of Germany, is priced at 6/1 and has admirers at Old Trafford.

Kieran McKenna, the former Ipswich Town coach, has also been mentioned, alongside Bayer Leverkusen’s Sebastian Hoeness and former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte. None of the alternatives has been reported as openly interested in the role in the way Pochettino has, which is why the Argentine has pulled clear in the betting and the reporting.

For United, the decision is about more than the next 13 days. Whoever takes over inherits a squad in the relegation zone, a fanbase losing patience, and a fixture list that offers no easy route back up the table. Pochettino’s Premier League experience makes him the safest choice on paper, but the club must first settle the cost, the timing, and the approval of its owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mauricio Pochettino going to become Manchester United manager?
Not yet. He is the leading candidate according to multiple reports, and he is open to the job, but no approach or agreement has been confirmed and United insist no final decision has been made on Carrick.

What is Mauricio Pochettino’s release clause?
The Athletic reports it is in the region of $10 million, about £7.4 million, in his contract with the United States men’s national team. TalkSPORT has reported a similar figure of around £7 million.

When will Manchester United decide Michael Carrick’s future?
A meeting takes place in Monaco on Tuesday 10 November 2026, and reports suggest confirmation could come within 24 hours. Any change is expected before United’s next match, away at Liverpool on Sunday 22 November.

Why is Michael Carrick facing the sack?
United are 18th in the Premier League with eight points from 10 games, winless in the league since 30 August, and in the relegation zone over the international break after a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa.

Who else could replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United?
Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, Kieran McKenna, Sebastian Hoeness and Antonio Conte have all been named as possible candidates, with Howe and Nagelsmann the most prominent alternatives to Pochettino.

Myth-busting: has Pochettino already agreed to join United?
No. Reports say he would entertain the prospect and is open to the move, but he remains under contract with the United States until 2030 and has a Nations League quarter-final against Haiti to manage first. Any deal still requires a release-clause payment and owner approval.