Mauricio Pochettino could become next Man United manager with Michael Carrick on brink of sack

Michael Carrick’s job as Manchester United manager is increasingly precarious, talkSPORT understands. As reported by talkSPORT on Monday morning, the Man United board planned to assess Carrick’s position during the international break after granting him a stay of execution following back-to-back drubbings at the hands of Como and Bournemouth . Club insiders insisted on Monday night that no final decision has been made on Carrick’s future. However, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are expected to recommend a change in the dugout. Owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers will ultimately make the final call. Meanwhile, USA national team manager Mauricio Pochettino is emerging as a potential option to replace him. Former Tottenham and Chelsea boss Pochettino has always been keen on the United post and has a release clause on his contract which is not expected to be an issue for the Red Devils. Eddie Howe is another strong candidate, with the ex- Newcastle manager available after leaving the club this summer. When could Carrick be sacked? talkSPORT understands that Carrick’s future will be decided by co-owner Ratcliffe on Tuesday at a meeting in Monaco. Carrick is expected to return to Carrington, but whilst he attends to business at the training ground, Ratcliffe will be deciding whether to accept the counsel of Berrada and Wilcox. Ratcliffe, a boyhood United fan, has so far been unwavering in his backing for the club chiefs, but both have become deeply unpopular with supporters. Financial concerns have increased the pressure on the club to deliver Champions League football, and their lowly league position was cited as one reason why the hierachy would recommend change. Pochettino could replace Carrick Pochettino is a leading contender to replace the legendary midfielder in the dugout should he be sacked. The Argentine last managed in the Premier League in 2024 with Chelsea, where he spent just under a year. He took charge of 51 Blues games, winning 27 and losing 14. Before that, Pochettino spent 18 months as Paris Saint-Germain manager between 2021 and mid-2022. That spell followed a five-year tenure in charge of Tottenham, where he won 160 of his 293 games in all competitions, becoming a legend. He has been USA manager since September 2024, leading them into their home World Cup this summer where they reached the Round of 16 . Altogether, in his 35 games as boss, his side have won 22 times. Meanwhile, as mentioned, Howe is another contender for the job. Howe has been linked with the United role amid Carrick and United’s woeful start to the campaign. Former Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann is also the running for the position if club chiefs pull the trigger, having been sounded out towards the end of October .