Michael Carrick Faces Exit as Manchester United Target Pochettino
Manchester United is reportedly moving to replace manager Michael Carrick with Mauricio Pochettino following a difficult start to the Premier League season.
Quick facts
- Manchester United has won only one of their first 10 Premier League games this season.
- The club is currently ranked 18th in the Premier League table.
- Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly under contract with the USA national team until 2030, with an exit clause near $15 million.
Why it matters
The potential appointment of Mauricio Pochettino reflects Manchester United's attempt to secure a manager with extensive experience in the English top flight to reverse their current form. The financial implications are substantial, given the reported costs associated with both the dismissal of the current staff and the buyout of Pochettino's existing international contract. These developments highlight the mounting pressure on the club's board to improve results immediately.
Michael Carrick is reportedly set to depart his role as manager of Manchester United following a challenging start to the Premier League campaign. As of November 12, 2026, multiple reports indicate that club leadership has held discussions regarding a change in management, with Mauricio Pochettino emerging as the primary candidate to take over.
Why it is trending now
The search interest follows reports that Manchester United is seeking a new direction after an unsuccessful run of results. The club is currently positioned in the relegation zone in 18th place, marking their most difficult opening to a season since 1986. Reports suggest that United powerbrokers have held crisis talks, leading to the expectation that Carrick will be dismissed.
Key facts
- According to Fox Sports, Manchester United is prepared to pay an exit clause approaching $15 million to secure Mauricio Pochettino from his current contract with the USA national team.
- Nine.com.au reports that payouts for Michael Carrick and his backroom staff are estimated to cost the club approximately $10 million.
- Mauricio Pochettino, 54, has previous Premier League experience, having managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea with 150 wins across 294 matches, as noted by Nine.com.au.
- ESPN reports that despite ongoing talks with Manchester United, Pochettino is still expected to lead the USA national team in upcoming matches against Haiti.
Why this is trending in Australia
The story is trending in Australia due to the significant global following of the English Premier League among Australian football fans. Additionally, Mauricio Pochettino’s recent role as USA head coach, where he faced the Australian national team, the Socceroos, at the World Cup, has drawn local interest to his potential move to a major European club.
Background and context
Michael Carrick took the helm at Manchester United with the goal of stabilizing the club, but the team has struggled to secure points throughout the current season. Mauricio Pochettino has been linked to the Manchester United managerial position in the past, having been a candidate in 2022 before Erik ten Hag was appointed. Pochettino is currently under contract with the USA until 2030.
What happens next
If the transition proceeds, Manchester United will likely need to finalize compensation packages for both the outgoing staff and the incoming management team. The club has not yet made an official statement regarding the specific timing of a managerial change. Meanwhile, Pochettino remains committed to his scheduled international duties with the USA squad.
Frequently asked questions
Is Michael Carrick leaving Manchester United?
Multiple media reports indicate that Manchester United is set to dismiss Michael Carrick as manager following a poor start to the season, though an official club announcement is pending.
Who is the favorite to replace Michael Carrick?
Mauricio Pochettino, the current USA national team head coach, is reported to be the primary candidate to replace Carrick at Manchester United.
How much will the managerial change cost?
Reports suggest the club may pay approximately $10 million in severance for the current staff and an exit clause of nearly $15 million for Pochettino.
Is Mauricio Pochettino still coaching the USA?
Yes, reports indicate Pochettino is expected to manage the USA national team in their upcoming matches against Haiti despite ongoing discussions with Manchester United.
Where is Manchester United in the league table?
Manchester United is currently in 18th place in the Premier League, having won only one of their first 10 matches this season.
When did Manchester United last have such a poor start?
According to reports, the current performance represents the club's worst start to a season since 1986.
In this story
Sources
Trend snapshot
- Topic
- Sports
- Trending in
- Australia
- Search interest
- 1000+ recent searches
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- Verified: 3 independent outlets
- Last updated
- Nov 12, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Peak: 2K+ searches, 2 days ago. Strongest in: Australia (1K+), Nigeria (500).
Last checked Nov 12, 2026 at 3:45 PM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work · How we verify
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