Michael Carrick’s future as Manchester United manager is hanging in the balance as the club’s senior executives prepare to make a final recommendation on his position following the team’s recent struggles.
Carrick, 45, arrived at United’s Carrington training ground at 7.45am on Wednesday morning, continuing his usual routine despite growing uncertainty surrounding his future.
The manager was pictured arriving in his Land Rover and giving photographers a thumbs-up as discussions over his potential departure gathered pace elsewhere.
Manchester United Executives Meet Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox have travelled to the south of France for a scheduled meeting with Ineos executives.
The pair are expected to meet Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco on Wednesday, where they will present their recommendation regarding Carrick’s future.
The meeting comes amid growing indications that the former United midfielder could lose his position following the team’s alarming decline into the Premier League relegation zone.
However, sources at the club insist that no final decision has been made. Co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer would also need to approve any decision to dismiss the manager.
United’s hierarchy is understood to prefer delivering the news to Carrick in person if his departure is confirmed. Consequently, an official announcement may not come until Thursday.
Mauricio Pochettino Emerges as Favourite to Replace Carrick
Former Tottenham and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the leading candidate to take over at Old Trafford if United decide to make a managerial change.
The Argentine, 54, is currently working with the United States national team as they prepare for a CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final double-header against Haiti.
United would reportedly need to pay approximately £7million to secure his release from his contract with the US national team.
Pochettino has previously been linked with the Manchester United job, including before the club appointed Erik ten Hag in 2022 and again when the Dutchman’s position came under pressure two years later.
The former Southampton manager is understood to be interested in returning to the Premier League, having previously managed Tottenham, Chelsea and Southampton.
Carrick’s Future Uncertain After Aston Villa Draw
The growing uncertainty surrounding Carrick follows Manchester United’s chaotic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Former United striker Teddy Sheringham has criticised the team’s performances, identifying defensive mistakes and uncertainty over the players’ tactical responsibilities as major problems.
Speaking to BOYLE Sports, Sheringham questioned whether the players understood when they should press opponents or drop back defensively.
He also highlighted an incident involving defender Harry Maguire during the match, when the experienced centre-back failed to direct his header away from danger or towards a teammate, allowing the ball to go out of play before Villa quickly restarted the game.
Sheringham also expressed concerns about goalkeeper Senne Lammens, suggesting that his mistakes and apparent nervousness had repeatedly put the team under pressure.
Although he acknowledged the players’ response after falling behind, Sheringham said the team’s current performances were not sustainable for a club of United’s stature.
Carrick’s Coaching Staff Also Face Uncertain Future
Should Manchester United dismiss Carrick, the club would also need to decide what happens to members of his coaching team.
Goalkeeper coach Craig Mawson, who was already at United before Carrick’s arrival, is considered likely to remain at the club.
Travis Binnion, who was promoted to first-team coach after working with United’s youth teams, could also retain his position.
Jonny Evans recently left his position as loans manager before returning to work alongside Carrick, his former United teammate, as part of the new coaching setup.
The current backroom team also includes Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate.
It remains unclear whether any of them would continue at Old Trafford if Carrick is removed.
Another Managerial Dismissal Could Push Compensation Bill Towards £30m
Carrick’s potential dismissal would add to the substantial compensation Manchester United have paid to former managers, executives and coaching staff since Ratcliffe’s Ineos group acquired its minority stake in the club.
United have already spent £22.7million on compensation since 2024, with the figure potentially rising close to £30million if Carrick and members of his coaching team are dismissed.
The payments include £10.4million to Erik ten Hag and his staff following the Dutchman’s departure, just four months after he had received a contract extension.
The club also paid £4.1million to former sporting director Dan Ashworth, who spent only 159 days in the role.
Another £8.2million went to Ruben Amorim and his backroom staff following their departure after 14 months.
The compensation package for Amorim and his team could have reached £16.7million, but United reportedly saved half that amount after the Portuguese coach returned to work at AC Milan.
Carrick, who was handed a two-year contract in May, would also be entitled to compensation if the club terminates his agreement.
Carrick Continues Training Duties as Decision Looms
While United’s senior officials prepare for their meeting in Monaco, Carrick remains at Carrington carrying out his managerial responsibilities.
On Tuesday, he was seen leaving the training ground with his 16-year-old son, Jacey, who is also a youth player at the club.
Carrick had overseen a reduced group of first-team players during training amid the international break.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his position, he returned to the training ground early on Wednesday morning as the club’s leadership prepared to consider his future.
The outcome of the discussions between Ratcliffe, Berrada and Wilcox is expected to determine whether Carrick remains in charge or United begin preparations for another managerial appointment.
