Pochettino in the Frame as Carrick Faces Exit from Manchester United

Michael Carrick is on the brink of leaving his role as Manchester United's manager, with Mauricio Pochettino emerging as a leading candidate to take over. United are currently in talks with the USA head coach about filling the managerial vacancy that Carrick is likely to leave behind. Expect a decision soon, as a pivotal meeting is scheduled in Monaco on Wednesday, featuring key figures like chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox, and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. This isn't the first time Pochettino's name has been linked to the United job. The club has reached out to the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager three times over the past few years—when Jose Mourinho was dismissed in 2018, again in 2022 before appointing Erik ten Hag, and most recently after the Dutch manager’s sacking in 2024. Although Pochettino signed a contract extension with the USA in August, he is set to lead his team in a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Haiti soon. Interestingly, he has a release clause worth $10 million (£7.5 million), which could make his transition smoother. The meeting in Monaco is part of regular strategic discussions, but this time the spotlight is firmly on Carrick's future and what steps should be taken next. Early indications suggest that Berrada and Wilcox are likely to recommend a change at the helm. United's current form is alarming; they sit 18th in the Premier League, trapped in the relegation zone after managing just one win from their first ten matches and none since August. It's a dismal start, marking the club's worst position at this stage of a season since 1986-87, when they were bottom of the table. Stay tuned for more updates.