Carrick set to leave Manchester United as club negotiate Pochettino deal

Manchester United have made the decision to dismiss Michael Carrick, with the club also reaching a preliminary agreement with Mauricio Pochettino to become their next manager, according to reports.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday morning that United had resolved to part company with Carrick, 45, after a disappointing start to the season.

Carrick was appointed on a permanent basis at the beginning of the current campaign after guiding United to third place in the Premier League as caretaker manager last season. However, the team’s form has deteriorated sharply since the new season began.

United are 18th in the Premier League, below the relegation places, and sit 17th among the 36 teams in the Champions League. There have been few clear signs of improvement in recent weeks.

Pochettino agreement includes compensation issue

United are understood to have reached an initial agreement with Pochettino over becoming manager, although some details remain to be settled.

The Argentine is under contract with the US Soccer Federation until mid-2030. His agreement reportedly contains a release clause worth about £7m, equivalent to approximately €9m, which United must negotiate with the American federation.

The club are also discussing the make-up of Pochettino’s coaching staff and are expected to accelerate talks with the US Soccer Federation over the next 24 hours.

United want Pochettino to arrive at Old Trafford as soon as possible, but recognise that he is currently responsible for the United States national team. The US are preparing to play Haiti twice during the current international break.

Pochettino could take charge before United’s meeting with Liverpool at Anfield on 22 November. Most of the club’s players are expected to return by next Thursday.

Monaco meeting led to decision

The decision to change manager followed a meeting in Monaco on Wednesday involving United chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Jason Wilcox and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The group reviewed the club’s difficult opening to the season. Carrick had been given a final opportunity to retain his position after United’s 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford last month, but the mood inside the club has since shifted towards a change in leadership.

If the appointment is completed, Pochettino will become Manchester United’s eighth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired 13 years ago.

Carrick, meanwhile, will begin looking for a new opportunity. He previously managed Middlesbrough in the English second tier before taking charge of United on a permanent basis at the start of this season.