Manchester United could avoid major payout if Michael Carrick is sacked

Michael Carrick’s position as Manchester United manager is under serious threat, but a clause in his contract could save the club millions of pounds if it decides to dismiss him.

The 45-year-old Englishman is understood to be at risk of losing his job before competition resumes after the international break, with Manchester United’s poor start leaving the club in the Premier League relegation zone.

According to The Sun, Carrick’s contract includes a provision allowing Manchester United to end the agreement after one year. That would significantly reduce the compensation the club might otherwise have to pay if it makes a change in the dugout.

Manchester United have won only one of their opening 10 league matches this season and are just one point above the bottom position in the table. They remain without a second domestic victory, making them the only Premier League club with just one win so far.

Their latest match brought a dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, with Manchester United recovering in the closing stages. That result, however, did little to ease the pressure surrounding Carrick or the wider situation at Old Trafford.

According to TalkSport reporter Ben Jacobs, football director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada are expected to recommend a change in management when they meet Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco on Tuesday.

Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as one of the leading candidates to replace Carrick. The Sun reported exclusively that the 54-year-old Argentine would be open to a return to the Premier League if Manchester United approached him.

Pochettino’s position in the bookmakers’ market strengthened sharply after the draw with Aston Villa. His odds of taking charge moved from 25-1 to 2-1, making him the second favourite for the role.

The report also said Pochettino would be willing to consider an offer if Manchester United decided to part company with Carrick. His own contract contains a release clause that could be activated if the club makes him a principal target.

Pochettino previously led the United States to the last 16 of the World Cup, where their campaign ended with defeat by Belgium.

Carrick was given a two-year contract after guiding Manchester United to qualification for the Champions League last season. The team’s current results have placed his future in doubt, with additional pressure following criticism from captain Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes questioned Carrick’s tactical methods during a controversial interview last month, adding to concerns over the manager’s authority and the club’s continued struggles in the Premier League.