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Man Utd open talks with Pochettino about replacing Carrick
Manchester United have opened talks with USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino about replacing Michael Carrick, whose future is expected to be decided at a meeting in Monaco on Wednesday. The club’s chief executive, director of football and co-owner are due to discuss Carrick’s position and the next steps, with senior figures expected to recommend his departure.
United are 18th in the Premier League after one win in their first 10 games and none since August, their lowest position at this stage of a top-flight season since 1986-87. Pochettino, 54, has previously managed Southampton, Tottenham, Paris St-Germain and Chelsea; he renewed his USA contract in August, and reportedly has a $10m (£7.5m) release clause. The USA have a Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Haiti over the coming week.
In short
- United are discussing Pochettino as Carrick’s possible replacement.
- Carrick’s future is expected to be decided on Wednesday.
- United are 18th after winning once in their first 10 games.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
United’s poor start and record-low league position give the club a strong reason to consider a change before the season drifts further, especially if senior figures believe a new manager could restore confidence and improve results. Pochettino’s experience at major clubs makes him a credible candidate, and a release clause could offer a defined route to appointing him.
The case against
Changing manager after only ten matches could bring further disruption, and results alone may not show whether Carrick has had enough time or support to improve the team. Pochettino is under contract with the USA, whose Nations League quarter-final is imminent, so pursuing him could be costly and distract from both United’s immediate needs and his current role.
Explained simply
Manchester United are one of English football’s best-known clubs, but recent seasons have brought changes of manager and uneven results. The manager oversees the first team, while club executives and owners make decisions about appointments and the club’s direction.
Mauricio Pochettino is an Argentine manager who has coached clubs including Tottenham and Paris St-Germain, as well as the United States national team. Michael Carrick, a former United player, is currently in charge at the club.
The United States play in Concacaf, the football confederation for North and Central America and the Caribbean. Any change involving Pochettino would therefore involve both his work with the national team and United’s search for a manager.