Man Utd open talks with Pochettino over replacing Carrick: reports

Carrick’s (R) tenure at Old Trafford has come under the scanner after United got off to its worst start to a season in 40 years, currently languishing in the relegation zone after going winless for eight games. Mauricio Pochettino’s name has emerged among potential replacements. | Photo Credit: AP

Manchester United has opened talks with United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino about replacing Michael Carrick as manager, the British media has reported on Wednesday.

Carrick’s tenure at Old Trafford has come under the scanner after United got off to its worst start to a season in 40 years, currently languishing in the relegation zone after going winless for eight games.

Carrick remains in the job but his future with the club is reportedly set to be decided at a meeting in Monaco involving key stakeholders Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.

Berrada and Wilcox are said to be in favour of dimissing Carrick.

Pochettino, who had coached at Tottenham previously, has extensive experience of the Premier League given his spells with the Spurs, Chelsea and Southampton.

Reports suggest United reached out to the former Argentine defender with the managerial offer thrice before — when Jose Mourinho was sacked in 2018, before Erik ten Hag’s appointment in 2022 and then when he was sacked in 2024.

Pochettino, meanwhile, signed a contract extension with United States that keeps him in the job till the 2030 World Cup. Should he move to Manchester, the club will need to compensate US Soccer. The BBC says the 54-year-old has a USD 10 million release clause.