Manchester United are preparing to part ways with head coach Michael Carrick following an internal review of the club’s disappointing start to the 2026/27 season, with former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino emerging as his likely successor.
The decision follows weeks of uncertainty over Carrick’s position at Old Trafford, with the club’s hierarchy concerned about the team’s poor performances and its position in the Premier League relegation zone.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox reportedly recommended a managerial change to minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe following discussions in Monaco.
According to reports, United have reached a verbal agreement in principle with Pochettino to take over if Carrick is dismissed.
However, as of the latest reports on Thursday, November 12, the club had yet to issue an official announcement confirming Carrick’s departure.
Pochettino Agrees To Take Over
Pochettino, who currently manages the United States men’s national team, has reportedly agreed in principle to become Manchester United’s next head coach.
The Argentine is understood to be interested in returning to the Premier League and taking charge at Old Trafford.
United are expected to pay a release fee of about £7 million to secure his departure from the US national team, following his contract extension until the 2030 World Cup.
However, Pochettino is scheduled to oversee the United States’ upcoming fixtures against Haiti on November 14 and 18 before making the switch to Manchester.
The arrangement could delay his arrival at United, with the club potentially waiting until after his international commitments before he begins work with the squad.
His first major assignment could be the Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22, a fixture that would provide an immediate test of his ability to improve the team’s fortunes.
Poor Results Put Carrick Under Pressure
Carrick’s expected departure follows a difficult start to the campaign, with Manchester United struggling to maintain consistency in the Premier League and other competitions.
The club’s position in the relegation zone intensified pressure on the manager, particularly after the hierarchy gave him additional time to improve results.
United’s 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday failed to ease concerns, despite the team recovering from two-goal deficits twice during the encounter.
The result extended the club’s difficult league run and raised further questions about its defensive organisation and overall performances.
Earlier setbacks, including defeats to Bournemouth and Chelsea, had also increased scrutiny of Carrick’s position.
Although United recorded some improvement in European competition, their domestic performances remained a major concern for the club’s leadership.
From Interim Success To Permanent Appointment
Carrick returned to Manchester United in January 2026 and initially enjoyed a successful spell in charge.
His early results, including victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, helped restore confidence around the team and strengthened his case for the permanent position.
He subsequently guided United to third place in the Premier League and qualification for the UEFA Champions League, earning a permanent contract expected to run until 2028.
The former England international was praised for his understanding of the club, his relationship with the players and his ability to bring stability during a difficult period.
However, the expectations following his permanent appointment have not been matched by the team’s performances in the current campaign.
United’s struggles have renewed questions about the club’s efforts to restore the consistency associated with its most successful years.
Pochettino Faces Immediate Rebuilding Task
Pochettino would arrive at Old Trafford with considerable Premier League experience, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
His most successful spell in England came at Tottenham, where he transformed the club into regular contenders for the top positions and guided them to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final.
He also won the French Ligue 1 title during his time at Paris Saint-Germain before taking charge of Chelsea and later the United States national team.
At Manchester United, he would inherit a side in need of immediate improvement.
The club would expect him to address its defensive problems, restore confidence in the dressing room and improve its Premier League position.
His potential appointment would represent another managerial change for United, who have struggled to establish a consistent direction since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Liverpool Clash Could Mark New Era
Manchester United’s next major assignment is the Premier League visit to Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
The match could mark the beginning of a new chapter under Pochettino, although his arrival depends on the completion of arrangements with the United States Soccer Federation.
The fixture carries significant importance for United as they seek to move away from the relegation zone and revive their campaign.
For Carrick, the expected departure would end another chapter in his long association with the club, first as a decorated midfielder and later as manager.
Pochettino, meanwhile, faces the prospect of taking charge of a struggling side under pressure to deliver an immediate improvement.
