Manchester United are preparing for another managerial change, with Michael Carrick dismissed less than six months after signing a two-year contract and former Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino lined up as his replacement.
The decision to part ways with Carrick was ratified by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe during a meeting of club executives in Monaco, following recommendations from chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
Pochettino has reportedly reached an agreement with United to take charge, although he is expected to remain with the United States national team for their Nations League fixtures against Haiti on Saturday and Wednesday before assuming his new role.
The Argentine has a £7 million release clause in his recently signed contract with the US national team, with negotiations between Manchester United and the United States Soccer Federation expected to intensify in the coming days.
Carrick’s dismissal follows a disappointing run of results that has left United struggling in the Premier League. The club have managed just three victories in 15 matches this season, recording their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign.
Their latest setback was a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, despite recovering from a two-goal deficit twice during the encounter.
The result followed another comeback against Roma in the Champions League last Tuesday, but the late fightbacks were insufficient to convince United’s hierarchy to retain Carrick.
Carrick initially took charge in January 2026 after Ruben Amorim was dismissed, signing a short-term contract until the end of the season.
He enjoyed an impressive start, winning 12 of his 17 matches and guiding United to third place in the Premier League, securing a return to the Champions League.
His achievements earned him a nomination for Premier League Manager of the Season and a new contract on May 22, extending his stay at Old Trafford until 2028.
However, his subsequent struggles have brought his second spell in charge to an abrupt end.
Pochettino, who previously managed Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, has been considered for the Manchester United job on three previous occasions.
If appointed, he will become the club’s eighth permanent head coach since Sir Alex Ferguson departed in 2013.
