Man United fires Carrick, eyes Pochettino hire with $10M buyout

Manchester United has dismissed head coach Michael Carrick and is moving to hire Mauricio Pochettino. Sources indicate the club is close to an agreement with the Argentine and has contacted the U.S. Soccer Federation to trigger a $10 million release clause in Pochettino's contract.

The decision follows a review that concluded the team was not on the right path after three recent matches. United is currently 18th in the Premier League table after ten games, with only one win on the season. Club executives described the squad as far better than the results and performances have indicated so far.

Carrick was informed of his departure on Thursday morning during a meeting at Carrington with executives Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox. This followed a Wednesday meeting in Monaco between Berrada, Wilcox, and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Sources say Berrada held positive talks with U.S. Soccer on Wednesday regarding the transition.

The $10 million fee, equivalent to roughly 7 million pounds, will be paid once personal terms are agreed upon with the 54-year-old coach. His staff, including assistant Jesus Perez, could add another 2 million dollars to the total cost. United expects Pochettino to arrive at Carrington by November 18, ahead of a match against Liverpool on November 22.

Carrick rejoined the club in January 2026 after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. In his initial stint, he won 12 of the final 17 league matches to secure a third-place finish and a return to the Champions League. He signed a two-year permanent contract in May, but the team has since slid into the relegation zone.

The club statement noted that Carrick is a legend who conducted himself with high standards. It added that the change is necessary to achieve the club's ambitions. United intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.

This dismissal marks the third time in three seasons that United has fired a manager midway through a campaign. Erik ten Hag was let go in October 2024, and Amorim was dismissed in January 2026. Pochettino, who previously managed Southampton, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, is expected to be resolved with U.S. Soccer regarding the upcoming Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti on November 14 and 17.