Manchester United have dismissed head coach Michael Carrick following a disappointing run of performances that has left the club in the Premier League relegation zone, with former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino reportedly their top choice to take over.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Thursday that the club’s management reached the decision after holding discussions over Carrick’s future.
United’s latest setback was Sunday’s 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford, a result that left them 18th in the league standings.
Carrick’s side have now gone eight Premier League games without a victory. Their victory over Roma last week remains their only win in the last 11 matches they have played across all competitions.
According to The Athletic, Pochettino has become United’s preferred candidate to replace the Englishman.
The Argentine is currently in charge of the United States men’s national team and has a contract with US Soccer that runs until the 2030 World Cup.
However, United would reportedly need to pay a buyout fee of approximately $10m (£7.4m) to release him from the agreement.
Pochettino is also expected to bring his long-serving assistant, Jesus Perez, and other members of his coaching team to Old Trafford if the appointment goes ahead.
The 53-year-old has previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
During his spell at Tottenham, he led the London club to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final, where they were defeated by Liverpool. He also won the French Ligue 1 title while managing Paris Saint-Germain.
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Carrick secured the United job on a permanent basis in May, signing a two-year contract after impressing during his interim spell following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal in January.
The former midfielder had guided the club to third place in the Premier League last season, earning 39 points from 17 matches after taking charge.
His team also secured notable victories against Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea during that period.
However, the club’s fortunes changed in the current campaign, with United managing just one victory in their opening 10 Premier League fixtures before suffering elimination from the Carabao Cup at the hands of Brighton.
Carrick enjoyed a successful playing career at Old Trafford, making 464 appearances over 12 years and winning five Premier League titles.
He also had a brief spell as caretaker manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure in November 2021.
His exit adds to the list of managerial departures at Manchester United since Ferguson retired in 2013. The club have appointed six permanent managers during that period but have yet to finish above second place in the Premier League.