Man United set to sack Carrick, appoint Pochettino as new coach

Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal with United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino to become their next manager, as the Premier League side advanced moves to sack Michael Carrick.

Pochettino, former Chelsea manager, is being lined up as Carrick’s successor, with United preparing for a potential parting of ways.

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano announced the development in a series of posts on X on Wednesday.

Romano wrote: “Manchester United now set for final internal meeting to proceed with the expected plan: Michael Carrick to be sacked.

“Mauricio Pochettino’s $10m release clause is available and Man United are working on it + contract terms with his camp.

“Mauricio Pochettino, ready to become the new Man United head coach with talks progressing.”

Romano, in another post revealed that Carrick was at United’s training ground on Wednesday, adding that “no formal communication from the club on his future yet but from today expected any moment.”

“The expectation remains for Carrick to be sacked, waiting for Sir Jim Ratcliffe green light,” he stated.

EPL fixtures: Carrick fights for Man United job as Arsenal host Hull

United would have to pay around £7 million to buy out Pochettino from his newly-signed contract with the United States but this is not thought to be an issue for the club, according to Sky Sports.

Pochettino is understood to be ready if United ultimately decide to make a change at head coach, which remains likely. He is set to take charge of the USA against Haiti on Saturday as things stand.

United slumped to 18th position in the Premier League table after a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.

It’s their lowest position at this stage of a top-flight campaign since 1986-87, when they were 20th.

United have now gone eight league games without a win, matching a run they have endured only once before in the Premier League, in April and May 2025.