Carrick set for punditry return as Manchester United close in on sacking him

Michael Carrick is edging closer to the sack at Manchester United, with sources close to the former England midfielder indicating he would move into punditry rather than pursue another coaching position should he be dismissed from Old Trafford.

United sit 18th in the Premier League having won just one league game all season — their worst domestic start in 40 years. The Guardian has reported that the club are ‘moving towards’ firing their head coach, and a stay of execution granted to Carrick during the last international break has done little to alter the trajectory.

According to the i Paper, sources close to Carrick say he is settled in the Manchester area and has no intention of relocating if he loses his job. His son Jacey is currently playing for Manchester United’s Under-18s, a factor that reinforces his desire to remain in the city. Carrick spent 12 years at the club as a player, and both his children were born during that time.

The 45-year-old reportedly showed a “lack of interest” in returning to management after leaving Middlesbrough, and those close to him believe punditry could be his next role in football. It would not be unfamiliar territory — following his departure from the Riverside Stadium, Carrick worked as a pundit for Prime Video alongside former Tottenham team-mate Dimitar Berbatov, providing analysis for Spurs’ Champions League clash against Villarreal.

Should Carrick depart, United would be searching for their eighth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. Former Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe is considered a frontrunner and has not returned to management since leaving St James’ Park in July. United States national team manager Mauricio Pochettino is also said to be keen on the role, with his contract reportedly containing a release clause that would allow United to pursue him. Former Germany and Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann and ex-Chelsea and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte are also understood to be under consideration.