JUST IN: Man Utd part ways with Carrick, line up Pochettino — Report

Manchester United's English head coach Michael Carrick looks on during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London on October 31, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

Manchester United have parted ways with head coach Michael Carrick after a poor run of results left the club in the Premier League relegation zone, with former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino emerging as the leading candidate to replace him.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Thursday that United had reached the decision to remove Carrick following discussions among the club’s hierarchy.

The development comes after Sunday’s 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford left United 18th in the league table.

Carrick’s team have gone eight Premier League matches without a win, while their victory over Roma last week was their only success in their last 11 matches across all competitions.

Pochettino, who currently manages the United States men’s national team, has emerged as United’s preferred replacement, The Athletic reported.

The Argentine is under contract with US Soccer until the 2030 World Cup, but United would have to activate a buyout clause worth about $10m (£7.4m) to secure his release.

His long-time assistant, Jesus Perez, and other members of his coaching staff are also expected to join him at Old Trafford.

Pochettino previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

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He guided Tottenham to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final, where they lost to Liverpool, and won the French Ligue 1 title during his time at Paris Saint-Germain.

Carrick was appointed United’s permanent head coach on a two-year contract in May after an impressive interim spell following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim in January.

The former United midfielder helped the club finish third in the Premier League last season, collecting 39 points from their final 17 matches after taking charge. His side also recorded victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea during that run.

However, United’s form deteriorated in the new campaign. They won only one of their first 10 Premier League matches and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton.

Carrick made 464 appearances for United as a player, winning five Premier League titles during his 12-year spell at the club. He also briefly served as caretaker head coach following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure in November 2021.

His departure makes him the latest manager to leave United since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. The club have had six permanent managers in that period and have not finished higher than second in the Premier League.