Michael Carrick was sacked as Manchester United head coach, and the club is moving quickly to appoint Mauricio Pochettino in his place. United activated a $10m (£7m) release clause in Pochettino’s contract with the United States national team, which he has held since September 2024.
Carrick appears to have seen the end coming. Reports of his imminent dismissal were widespread, and his representatives received clear signals of what was to follow.
On Monday, according to well-placed sources, chief executive Omar Berrada contacted Carrick’s agent. Berrada told him that Carrick and director of football Jason Wilcox would travel to Monaco for a planned meeting with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, where the head coach’s future would be discussed. A day later, Wilcox is believed to have held a similar conversation with Carrick.
It is understood that both conversations made clear a recommendation about Carrick’s future would be made. It is not clear whether Carrick and his representatives understood that the recommendation would be his dismissal.
Pressure builds after a poor run
Heavy defeats to Como and Bournemouth left United facing three crucial matches against Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa. The club’s leadership told Carrick that results and performances had to improve, and that a single defeat, victory or draw would not be enough to save him.
Internally, there was a feeling that not enough progress was made during those three games, particularly in team structure. United conceded eight goals in that period.
There is some regret at the club that events leading to Carrick’s departure on Thursday played out so publicly. However, keeping developments private at a club of United’s size is extremely difficult, and those involved believe they were as open with Carrick as they could be.
A tenure that began with promise
United first appointed Carrick on an interim basis after they sacked Ruben Amorim in January. He had an immediate positive impact on the squad, and results followed. The club valued his messaging to players and the media, and felt he brought calm to a turbulent situation. He also protected his players at every opportunity, which contrasted with the closing stages of Amorim’s reign.
The United hierarchy believed Carrick’s style gave forward players more freedom. His side won 12 of their last 17 matches of the season. With the club considering other managerial options over the summer, there was a sense that Carrick had earned the chance to take the job permanently.
The 45-year-old signed a two-year deal, and United included contractual protection in case of an early termination. The club wanted to give its players managerial stability, given the high turnover of head coaches in recent years.
The new season, however, started poorly with a defeat at newly promoted Hull City, and the team’s form continued to decline. United are now third from bottom of the Premier League and 17th in the Champions League table.
Pochettino’s route back to the Premier League
Talks with Pochettino have been ongoing since Monday. On Wednesday, Berrada contacted the US Soccer Federation to confirm the release clause and United’s intention to activate it. The news reportedly did not surprise those across the Atlantic, as Pochettino had been open with his employers about his talks with United and his wish to return to the Premier League.
United want Pochettino in place as soon as possible, but they have respected the USA’s commitments. The national team still has two fixtures against Haiti, the second of which takes place on 18 November. If Pochettino takes charge of that match, he is expected to be at United’s Carrington headquarters on 19 November, four days before the club face Liverpool.