Pochettino leads four contenders to replace Carrick as Man Utd plan Tuesday sacking

Manchester United are set to sack Michael Carrick on Tuesday, with chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox, and INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe meeting to agree on his replacement, just 172 days after Carrick signed a two-year contract as the club’s permanent manager.

The decision follows Sunday’s chaotic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa that left United 18th in the Premier League. The club have won just three games this season — against Ipswich, Sabah, and Roma — and their 30 goals conceded across all competitions represents the joint-worst defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues.

The four candidates

Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the early favourite despite currently being employed as United States men’s national team head coach. The 54-year-old signed a new deal with the USMNT in August following the World Cup, but crucially insisted on a release clause that would allow him to leave for a high-profile club role. United would need to pay a buy-out fee of around $10 million (£7.4m), plus additional compensation for his coaching staff, according to The Athletic. Pochettino is currently preparing the USMNT for their Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Haiti but is understood to be open to an approach. A move to Old Trafford would give him a fourth Premier League posting, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham, and Chelsea.

Eddie Howe is available after ending a five-year stint at Newcastle in July. The 48-year-old is understood to be open to the role and has already turned down an approach from Crystal Palace. Howe’s track record at St James’ Park includes a Carabao Cup win in 2025 and three consecutive top-seven Premier League finishes that brought Champions League football back to Newcastle. Ratcliffe is reportedly keen on appointing an English manager, which could work in Howe’s favour. He would likely bring long-time assistant Jason Tindall with him to Carrington.

Berrada and Wilcox are also expected to present two further names to Ratcliffe at Tuesday’s meeting, though those candidates have not been confirmed in detail at this stage.

Carrick’s tenure has been brief and turbulent. United held off on acting during the season proper, waiting for the international break before pulling the trigger. With the club rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table and their defensive record among the worst on the continent, the hierarchy has concluded his position is untenable.