Manchester United fans warn Mauricio Pochettino over Matthijs de Ligt ‘curse’

Manchester United supporters have warned prospective manager Mauricio Pochettino about Matthijs de Ligt’s unusual managerial record, as uncertainty continues over Michael Carrick’s future at Old Trafford.

Carrick’s position has come under increasing pressure because of Manchester United’s results this season, with reports suggesting the club’s hierarchy have settled on dismissing him while considering several alternatives, including Pochettino.

But, according to The Sun, any new Manchester United manager could face what has been described as the “Matthijs de Ligt curse”.

The report says the Netherlands defender has had a different manager at the beginning of every season of his career. If that pattern continues, Carrick would leave Manchester United and his replacement would also fail to remain in charge for the following campaign.

It would mean De Ligt moving on to the 12th manager of his career, with Carrick’s time at the club apparently nearing its end.

Some supporters have responded by calling for the centre-back to be sold before Pochettino potentially takes charge. One fan wrote: “Damn this guy, he annoys me every time. Sell him soon, Poch.”

Another said: “Pochettino, I’m so sorry in advance,” while a third posted: “Get rid of him haha.”

A fourth supporter wrote: “Pochettino bumps into De Ligt at Carrington and realises he’s next.”

De Ligt joined Manchester United from Bayern Munich in 2024 and has made only 42 Premier League appearances for the club since then.

The defender has regularly found himself either under scrutiny or in the treatment room. His most serious injury came last season, when a back problem kept him out of action for 276 days.

Pochettino is currently regarded as the leading candidate to become Manchester United’s next manager and is reported to be enthusiastic about the prospect of taking the job.

The Argentine, who is manager of the United States, is considered a strong fit for the role for several reasons. His record of developing players including Cole Palmer, Son Heung-min and Harry Kane is viewed as evidence that he could help Manchester United’s underperforming players reach their potential.

The situation comes with the club’s focus on finding a successor while Carrick’s future remains under threat. The possibility of Pochettino’s appointment has therefore added to the attention surrounding both the manager’s position and De Ligt’s place in the squad.

The report was published on 22 November 2026.