Manchester United Reportedly Target Mauricio Pochettino if Michael Carrick Is Sacked
Manchester United are reportedly preparing to make Mauricio Pochettino their leading managerial target if they decide to dismiss Michael Carrick. According to a report from The Athletic, the club have already reached a personal agreement with the Argentine coach, leaving negotiations over his release from the United States national team as the main obstacle to a potential appointment.
The reported development comes amid mounting pressure on Carrick, whose side have struggled to find consistent form in the Premier League and Champions League. United’s recent results have offered flashes of resilience, but club leaders are said to remain unconvinced that the current manager can turn the season around. For supporters, the situation raises a pressing question: is Pochettino the right choice to steady the team and restore its ambitions?
Carrick’s position under pressure after difficult start
Carrick took charge on a permanent basis at the start of the season after impressing during an interim spell the previous campaign. His earlier work had lifted expectations: United finished third in the Premier League under his guidance, a result that suggested the former midfielder could bring renewed direction to Old Trafford.
This season, however, has been far more challenging. United have fallen to 18th in the Premier League, placing them below the relegation line, while their position in the Champions League standings has also raised concerns. With the league campaign still offering time for recovery, the club’s immediate priority is to stop the slide and build a more reliable run of performances.
A damaging 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth reportedly prompted the club to give Carrick three matches to improve results. The first brought little relief, as United lost 2-0 to Chelsea. The team then produced a spirited comeback against AS Roma, overturning a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 in the Champions League. In their latest outing, they twice came from behind to draw 4-4 with Aston Villa.
Those dramatic matches have demonstrated that United can still create chances and fight back, but they have also exposed defensive problems and inconsistency. A comeback win and a high-scoring draw may provide encouragement, yet they have not reportedly changed the leadership’s view that a managerial change could be necessary.
Pochettino emerges as United’s preferred option
Pochettino is understood to be the club’s preferred candidate should Carrick leave. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain manager has extensive experience in high-pressure environments, including spells at Southampton and Chelsea. He has also managed Espanyol and is currently in charge of the United States men’s national team.
His coaching reputation is built in part on energetic football, intense pressing and a focus on developing players. At Tottenham, Pochettino guided the club to the 2019 Champions League final and helped establish a competitive side with a strong team identity. That record may appeal to United as they look for a manager capable of improving performances while also building a longer-term project.
The reported personal agreement is an important step, but it does not mean a change is guaranteed. Pochettino remains under contract with the U.S. Soccer Federation until mid-2030. Reports indicate that his deal includes a release clause of approximately €9 million. While that figure could make a move financially achievable for United, the club would still need to complete formal discussions and consider the timing of any departure.
Timing and transition could shape any appointment
Replacing a manager during a difficult season carries risks beyond the appointment itself. A new coach would need to assess the squad quickly, establish tactical priorities and help players adapt while the schedule continues. For United, the challenge would be balancing an immediate need for points with the longer-term task of creating a clearer footballing identity.
Pochettino’s experience at club level could help him make that transition, but managing an international team differs significantly from working every day with a Premier League squad. His current role involves preparing for major tournaments and overseeing players across international windows, whereas a move to Old Trafford would require constant training-ground work and weekly competition. The change would therefore involve practical as well as contractual considerations.
There is also a question of whether United’s problems can be solved by changing the manager alone. Their league position suggests that improvements may be needed in several areas, including defensive organization, squad balance and consistency in front of goal. A new appointment could provide a short-term lift, but sustained progress would depend on recruitment, player availability and a shared plan between the coaching staff and club leadership.
What the reported move could mean for Manchester United
For fans following the managerial speculation, Pochettino represents a familiar, high-profile option with experience in English football and European competition. His reported enthusiasm for taking charge at Old Trafford may strengthen the possibility of a deal, but the release clause and personal terms are only parts of a broader decision. United must also determine whether a change now offers a better chance of salvaging the season than giving Carrick more time.
The contrasting results against Roma and Villa illustrate the uncertainty surrounding Carrick’s future. United have shown character by recovering from losing positions, yet their league standing leaves little room for further setbacks. The coming fixtures, including the scheduled Premier League meeting with Liverpool on 23 November 2026, could prove significant in shaping the club’s next move.
Prediction: If United’s leadership has already identified Pochettino as its preferred successor and the reported release clause is confirmed, negotiations could move quickly if Carrick is dismissed. However, until the club makes an official announcement, Pochettino’s appointment remains a reported possibility rather than a certainty. For now, Carrick’s results and United’s response to their league crisis will determine how soon the speculation becomes a concrete decision.
