Mauricio Pochettino Linked to Manchester United as Michael Carrick Faces Potential Sacking

Manchester United executives met Tuesday to discuss the future of Michael Carrick, with USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino emerging as the front-runner to replace him.

Manchester United executives met Tuesday morning to discuss the future of manager Michael Carrick, who is on the brink of being sacked after the club’s worst-ever Premier League start. According to ESPN’s Mark Ogden, Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the front-runner to take over at Old Trafford. United currently sit in the relegation zone after winning just one league game through the first 10 matchdays of the season.

Pochettino, 54, recently led the U.S. men’s national team to the FIFA World Cup round of 16. Since that tournament exit, he has guided the U.S. to four consecutive victories, including wins over Mexico and Canada. During this period, the former Chelsea and Tottenham boss handed out 13 debuts and saw seven teenage prospects score goals while resting veterans Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.

If appointed, Pochettino would inherit a squad facing tight financial constraints that limit wholesale changes. The club currently lacks the spending capacity to match rivals such as Manchester City, Liverpool, or Arsenal. Pochettino has previously been considered for the United role following the departures of José Mourinho in 2018 and Erik ten Hag in 2022, as well as during the summer of 2024.

Remaining with the USMNT through the 2030 World Cup cycle would result in Pochettino spending six years away from English club football. The manager has previously expressed a desire to return to the Premier League, having already managed Paris Saint-Germain in addition to his stints in London.