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USMNT’s Mauricio Pochettino favored to replace embattled Manchester United coach
Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager, amid reports that the club is considering dismissing Carrick after a poor start to the season. The decision matters because United are in the Premier League relegation zone, and a change could bring Pochettino back to English football.
Reports say Pochettino, who manages the US men’s national team, would be open to the role and has a release clause in his contract believed to be worth about $10 million. He signed a four-year extension in August after the US reached the World Cup’s last 16; the team is now preparing for Concacaf Nations League quarter-finals against Haiti on 14 and 17 November. Eddie Howe, Sebastian Hoeness, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann have also been mentioned as possible replacements, while United’s 4-4 draw with Aston Villa added to pressure on Carrick.
In short
- Pochettino is reported to be a leading candidate for Manchester United.
- Michael Carrick faces pressure as United sit in the relegation zone.
- Pochettino’s reported release clause is about $10 million.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Manchester United are in the relegation zone, and the poor start plus the draw with Aston Villa give the club a strong reason to consider a change before the situation worsens. Pochettino has substantial experience in English football, and his reported openness to the role could make him a credible candidate to restore confidence and improve results.
The case against
Replacing Carrick now could add disruption when the club needs stability, and a short run of poor results may not be enough to judge his work fairly. Pochettino is under contract to the US national team, which is preparing for important matches; pursuing him could carry financial and practical costs while raising questions about United’s longer-term planning.
Explained simply
Manchester United are one of England’s best-known football clubs, but they have struggled in recent seasons. The manager oversees the team and its results, so poor form can lead to pressure to make a change.
Mauricio Pochettino is an Argentine coach who manages the United States men’s national team. He has also managed clubs in England, including Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, and is under contract with the US team.
Any move would involve both clubs: United would have to decide whom to appoint, while the US team would need to address the possible loss of its manager. Other coaches have also been linked with the vacancy.