Michael Carrick's position as manager of Manchester United is under serious threat as reports indicate that club co-owners INEOS are preparing to part ways with him. Carrick, who took over permanently in the summer of 2026 after guiding United to a third-place finish in the Premier League last season, now finds his team languishing in the relegation zone, sitting third from bottom with only one win from ten matches this season. A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday in Monaco where Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the co-owner, CEO Omar Berrada, and director of football Jason Wilcox will discuss Carrick's future, with expectations leaning towards his dismissal this week.
The discontent surrounding Carrick has been amplified by his feelings of being disrespected by the club's management, as he has reportedly been frustrated by media leaks regarding his potential sacking. According to The Touchline, Carrick has expressed his dissatisfaction over the lack of direct communication from the club about his future while news of his impending departure circulates widely. Despite this turmoil, Carrick was seen at Carrington leading training sessions, but speculation about his imminent exit remains high, with sources indicating that a formal announcement could occur soon.S1
As the situation unfolds, Manchester United is reportedly finalizing a deal to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as Carrick's successor. Pochettino, currently managing the USA National Team under a contract that runs until August 2026, has a buy-out clause of approximately £7.4 million that United would need to activate to secure his release. The Argentine manager has previously led the USA to a last-16 finish in the recent World Cup, and his hiring is seen as a pivotal move for the club as they seek to turn around a disappointing season.S1S2
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the upcoming international break, which could provide a timely opportunity for Manchester United to implement a managerial change. If the club proceeds with the sacking of Carrick and the hiring of Pochettino, it would mark a significant shift in strategy as United aims to regain its competitive edge in the Premier League. The decision from the board is expected to be communicated shortly after the meeting in Monaco, with fans and analysts alike keenly awaiting the outcome.S2
