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Wilcox and Berrada poised to tell Ratcliffe in Monaco that Carrick should be sacked
Manchester United executives Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada are expected to recommend that Sir Jim Ratcliffe dismiss head coach Michael Carrick after reviewing the team’s performances. Mauricio Pochettino, currently head coach of the United States, is a strong candidate to replace him and is open to taking the role.
United are in the Premier League relegation zone and 17th in the Champions League standings, with three wins in 15 matches across all competitions. Carrick was given three games after a 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth to show improvement; United then lost, won and drew, and the performances and wider run of form have strengthened the case for a change. Pochettino is contracted through the 2030 World Cup, with a reported break clause that could cost United about £7m; Eddie Howe is also being considered.
In short
- Wilcox and Berrada are expected to recommend Carrick’s dismissal.
- Pochettino is a leading candidate to replace him.
- United have won three of their past 15 matches.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
With United in the relegation zone, struggling in Europe and winning only three of 15 matches, the club has a strong case for acting before poor form causes lasting sporting and financial damage. Carrick was given a short chance to turn things around, but the mixed results and continuing concerns about performances may suggest a change is needed; Pochettino’s reported interest offers a credible alternative.
The case against
Sacking Carrick now could deepen instability at a difficult moment, especially if three matches were too few to fairly judge whether the team could improve. A replacement would bring costs and uncertainty, while Pochettino’s long contract and reported £7m break clause make the move a substantial commitment; United could instead give Carrick more time and assess the team over a longer run.