Manchester United’s senior leadership are expected to meet in Monaco on Wednesday to determine Michael Carrick’s future as head coach, with growing indications that the club are preparing to dismiss him following the team’s disappointing start to the season.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox will meet minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to discuss the situation and present their recommendation on whether Carrick should remain in charge.
Although no final decision has been announced, expectations within the club suggest that a managerial change is increasingly likely.
Carrick Continues Training Duties Amid Uncertainty
Despite mounting speculation about his future, Carrick reported for work at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground at 7.15am on Tuesday.
The 45-year-old took charge of the available players, with several members of the squad away on international duty.
The club are understood to prefer informing Carrick of any decision in person rather than communicating it remotely. Consequently, an official announcement could be delayed until Thursday.
Although sources close to the situation have suggested that reports of his imminent dismissal are premature, the expectation is that United could have a new manager in place before their trip to Anfield a week on Sunday.
Relegation Zone Position Increases Pressure on Manager
Carrick’s position has become increasingly difficult following United’s latest disappointing Premier League results.
Their 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday left the club in the relegation zone and extended their poor run of form.
United have managed just one Premier League victory from their opening 10 matches this season, representing their worst start to a campaign since Sir Alex Ferguson replaced Ron Atkinson 40 years ago.
Across all competitions, Carrick has recorded only two victories in 15 matches, with those wins coming against newly promoted Ipswich and Azerbaijan side Sabah, both at home.
Mauricio Pochettino Emerges as Leading Replacement Candidate
Former Tottenham and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Carrick should United decide to make a change.
The Argentine is currently managing the United States national team, but his contract reportedly contains a £7million release clause that could allow him to leave the position.
Pochettino has previously been linked with the Manchester United job, particularly when the club appointed Erik ten Hag in 2022 and again when the Dutchman was dismissed two years later.
The 54-year-old also has experience managing Southampton and Paris Saint-Germain.
Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann Also in Contention
Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are other potential candidates who could be considered by Manchester United.
Both managers were reportedly under consideration when the club decided to give Carrick additional time to improve results following a 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth last month.
Howe was previously regarded as the favourite for the position. However, there has reportedly been no contact between Manchester United and the former Newcastle United manager.
United would be expected to pay approximately £3million in compensation to appoint the 48-year-old, following his departure from Newcastle in July.
Nagelsmann is also available after leaving his position as Germany’s national team head coach during the summer.
Germany’s World Cup campaign ended with a penalty shootout defeat against Paraguay in the round of 32.
Carrick Insists He Will Not Resign
Carrick has maintained that he has no intention of voluntarily stepping down despite Manchester United’s difficult situation.
Speaking after Sunday’s draw against Aston Villa, he dismissed suggestions that he might consider resigning.
“That’s not going to happen,” he said.
He added: “We’re in November. I don’t like this situation and where we are.
But we can do something about it. I’m quite clear with what direction the club needs to go in, and it’s got to win games.”
United Face Another Managerial Search
Carrick took over from Ruben Amorim in mid-January and was initially appointed on a temporary basis.
Following an impressive spell in charge, during which he guided United to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification, he was handed a two-year contract in May.
He lost just two of his 17 matches as head coach during that initial period.
However, the team’s performances have deteriorated significantly this season, leaving the club’s leadership facing another managerial decision.
If Carrick is dismissed, Manchester United will begin searching for their eighth permanent manager or head coach since Ferguson retired 13 and a half years ago.
