Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Manchester United are facing a major managerial decision, with head coach Michael Carrick under increasing pressure following the club’s disappointing start to the 2026/27 Premier League season. Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a leading candidate to replace the former United midfielder if the club decides to end his tenure.
Reports published on Wednesday, November 11, indicate that senior Manchester United executives are preparing to recommend a managerial change to minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with discussions over Carrick’s future expected to take place in Monaco.
Although reports suggest that United are moving closer to a possible agreement with Pochettino, Carrick’s dismissal should not yet be treated as officially confirmed. The club’s decision-making process was still ongoing as of Wednesday morning.
Manchester United Executives Review Carrick’s Future
According to reports by The Guardian, Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada are expected to recommend that Carrick be relieved of his responsibilities.
The discussions involve Ratcliffe, who oversees the club’s sporting operations, as well as representatives of the Glazer family, United’s majority owners.
The meeting in Monaco is expected to determine the club’s next steps following a difficult opening period of the campaign.
Carrick’s position has become increasingly uncertain after United struggled to secure victories in the Premier League, leaving the club in the relegation zone during the November international break.
The situation has generated considerable concern among supporters, particularly given the club’s expectations of competing near the top of English football.
Despite the growing speculation surrounding his future, Carrick continued carrying out his responsibilities at the club’s Carrington training ground on Wednesday.
Poor Premier League Form Places Carrick Under Pressure
Manchester United’s performances during the opening weeks of the season have been central to the growing uncertainty surrounding Carrick.
The club entered the international break in 18th position in the Premier League standings, with only one league victory recorded during its opening 10 matches.
The team’s difficulties have also extended beyond domestic league competition.
United were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Brighton, adding to the pressure on the coaching staff and the club’s football leadership.
A particularly difficult sequence of league results has intensified questions about Carrick’s ability to turn the campaign around.
The team’s latest Premier League match ended in a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, November 8. Although United recovered from difficult positions to secure a point, the result did little to ease concerns about their overall consistency.
The draw followed an extended period without a league victory, leaving United with significant work to do when domestic football resumes.
Carrick had previously received additional time to improve the team’s performances after discussions with the club’s leadership.
However, the continued lack of positive results has reportedly weakened confidence in his position.
Mauricio Pochettino Emerges as Leading Replacement
Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the leading candidate to take charge at Old Trafford should United decide to dismiss Carrick.
The Argentine manager currently coaches the United States men’s national team, having signed a contract extension that keeps him in the position through the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Pochettino has considerable experience in English football, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
His time at Tottenham was particularly notable, with the club reaching the 2019 UEFA Champions League final under his leadership.
His experience managing high-profile players and competing in the Premier League is understood to make him an attractive option for Manchester United.
The Guardian reported on Wednesday that United were close to agreeing a deal with Pochettino, conditional on the club’s leadership approving Carrick’s departure.
The reported arrangement could involve a release clause of approximately $10 million (£7.5 million) in Pochettino’s contract with the United States national team.
Additional compensation could arise if he seeks to bring members of his existing coaching staff to Manchester.
However, neither a completed agreement nor an official appointment had been confirmed by Manchester United at the time of reporting.
Pochettino’s United States Commitment Complicates Potential Move
One factor that could complicate negotiations is Pochettino’s existing responsibility with the United States national team.
The Argentine is preparing the team for its upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti during the November international window.
The fixtures form part of the national team’s competitive preparations following its commitment to the 2030 World Cup cycle.
Pochettino’s contract extension in August also demonstrates the United States federation’s intention to retain him through the next World Cup.
Consequently, any move to Manchester United would require negotiations over his existing contractual obligations.
His reported willingness to consider the Old Trafford position does not automatically mean that an agreement has been reached.
The timing of the potential managerial change could also affect United’s preparations for their next Premier League fixture.
Other Managers Linked With Manchester United
Although Pochettino is reportedly the leading candidate, other managerial names have also been associated with the vacancy.
Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann have been mentioned in discussions surrounding possible replacements.
Other reports have also identified additional experienced coaches as potential options.
However, the extent of Manchester United’s interest in the different candidates remains unclear.
The club’s immediate priority appears to be determining Carrick’s future before making a final appointment decision.
United will need to consider the experience, tactical approach and long-term suitability of any prospective manager as they attempt to rebuild their competitive position.
Why the Managerial Situation Matters
The uncertainty surrounding Carrick’s future represents another significant moment in Manchester United’s continuing efforts to restore the club’s position among Europe’s leading football institutions.
United remain one of the most commercially influential and historically successful clubs in world football. However, their recent difficulties have highlighted the challenges associated with maintaining consistent sporting performance.
A managerial change could provide an opportunity to introduce a different tactical direction and restore confidence within the squad.
Nevertheless, appointing another manager would not automatically resolve the club’s wider challenges.
The effectiveness of any new appointment would depend on recruitment decisions, squad development, the relationship between the coaching staff and the football leadership, and the club’s ability to establish a consistent long-term strategy.
For supporters, the immediate concern is whether the club can recover from its difficult start and avoid becoming further involved in the Premier League relegation battle.
What Happens Next?
Manchester United’s next major step is expected to follow discussions involving Ratcliffe, Berrada and Wilcox.
The club must determine whether to retain Carrick or proceed with a managerial change during the international break.
If his departure is approved, negotiations with Pochettino could become more advanced, although his existing commitments with the United States national team would need to be addressed.
Manchester United are scheduled to face Liverpool at Anfield on November 22, 2026, when Premier League action resumes.
The possibility of a new manager taking charge before that fixture will depend on the outcome of the club’s discussions and the speed of any negotiations.
For now, Carrick’s future remains uncertain, while Pochettino’s potential arrival continues to dominate the conversation surrounding the managerial situation at Old Trafford.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- The Guardian – Manchester United close on Mauricio Pochettino deal before settling Carrick’s fate.
- RTÉ Sport – Carrick at Carrington as Man U executives meet in Monaco.
- Sky Sports – Michael Carrick’s future increasingly in doubt.
- ESPN – Manchester United executives meet Sir Jim Ratcliffe to discuss Carrick’s future.
