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Pochettino set to replace Carrick at Manchester United

Summarised from 8 outlets · 20 reports · Updated 11 Nov, 21:20 · Archive

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Mauricio Pochettino to replace Michael Carrick as manager. Pochettino, currently head coach of the United States national team, has a £7.4 million buyout clause in his contract with US Soccer that will allow him to leave for the Premier League club.

Carrick is expected to be dismissed during the international break following United's catastrophic start to the season. The club sits 18th in the Premier League with just one win in ten games and has conceded 19 goals. A 4-4 draw at home to Aston Villa on Sunday prompted a crisis meeting in Monaco between club chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to ratify the decision to move on from Carrick.

Pochettino is expected to arrive at Old Trafford after completing his current fixtures with the United States in the CONCACAF Nations League against Haiti. This means he is unlikely to take charge until after the international break, with his first match expected to be against Liverpool on 22 November. The 54-year-old Argentine previously managed Tottenham and Chelsea before taking the US job in 2024.

Harry Kane, who played under Pochettino at Spurs for five years, offered strong backing for the appointment. Kane said the manager had a 'big impact' on his career and development, describing him as a 'fantastic coach' who has 'managed the biggest clubs in the world'.

However, the appointment has drawn some criticism. Sky Sports analyst Kaveh Solhekol questioned whether Pochettino represented the best available option, suggesting that Eddie Howe and Antonio Conte both had stronger records. Solhekol noted that Howe has won a domestic trophy with Newcastle United and Conte won the Premier League title in his first season at Chelsea, while questioning whether elite European clubs would pursue Pochettino.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel criticised the handling of Carrick's dismissal, calling it 'very disrespectful'. Schmeichel argued that many of United's problems predated Carrick and that the club should have backed him to sign defenders in the transfer window, noting that United conceded 30 goals in their first ten games.

Morgan Schneiderlin, who played under Pochettino at Southampton and later at United, predicted the new manager would make significant changes, particularly in defence. With Pochettino known for deploying a high defensive line, Schneiderlin suggested long-serving defender Harry Maguire could face an uncertain future at the club.

The United States is reportedly preparing for Pochettino's departure and has identified Pep Guardiola as their top target to replace him, according to The Athletic. Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of last season and has shown little interest in returning to management, having turned down the opportunity to manage Italy.

Pochettino set to replace Carrick at Manchester United
Image: New York Post

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How it is being reported

In this story: Manchester United · Mauricio Pochettino · Michael Carrick · Harry Kane · Tottenham · Liverpool · United States national team · Pep Guardiola

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log