Manchester United, ManU head coach Michael Carrick arrives for the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester United at the American Express Stadium , Brighton , UK - 24th May 2026 Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester United Premier League Football, Amex Stadium, Sussex, United Kingdom - 24 May 2026Brighton Amex Stadium Sussex United Kingdom EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club league player publications. . No mer PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROUxBULxUAExKSAxCHNxDENxINDxITAxPORxESPxSWExTURxMEXxCOLxVENxPERxECUxBRAxARGxCHIxURUxPARxPANxONLY Copyright: xSimonxDack TPI Shutterstockx 16895822n
Manchester United, ManU head coach Michael Carrick arrives for the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester United at the American Express Stadium , Brighton , UK - 24th May 2026 Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester United Premier League Football, Amex Stadium, Sussex, United Kingdom - 24 May 2026Brighton Amex Stadium Sussex United Kingdom EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club league player publications. . No mer PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROUxBULxUAExKSAxCHNxDENxINDxITAxPORxESPxSWExTURxMEXxCOLxVENxPERxECUxBRAxARGxCHIxURUxPARxPANxONLY Copyright: xSimonxDack TPI Shutterstockx 16895822n
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick is expected to be sacked this week after overseeing the club’s worst start to a domestic season in 40 years. Despite their struggles, however, the hierarchy still believe a top-five finish remains possible.
Sunday’s draw with Aston Villa was Carrick’s third game in charge since United decided to give the 45-year-old more time to turn things around at Old Trafford.
The results during that period – one win, one draw and one defeat – have been mixed, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of his tenure.
United have continued to concede goals but have also shown character, coming back from two-goal deficits on three occasions.
The club’s board considered dismissing Carrick following the defeat to Bournemouth but ultimately decided that the Englishman and his players deserved more time to improve results.
The November international break was also viewed as an ideal opportunity for the hierarchy to assess the team’s performances and consider their next move.
However, according to talkSPORT, Mauricio Pochettino is keen to replace Carrick as Manchester United head coach. The Old Trafford job is one he has always coveted.
The Argentine recently signed a new contract with the United States after guiding them to the World Cup last 16. However, the agreement includes a buyout clause worth around £7m.
Further compensation would also be required to release Pochettino’s backroom staff. Their involvement, particularly that of trusted assistant Jesus Perez, would be crucial to the Argentine, who traditionally takes his coaching team with him wherever he goes.
United could have appointed Pochettino as a free agent had they decided to replace Carrick in the summer. Pochettino was previously considered for the Old Trafford job before United appointed Erik ten Hag in 2022.
He is also understood to be highly regarded by former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Former Bayern Munich and Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann and ex-Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe have also been heavily linked with the vacancy.
Manchester United sit 18th in the Premier League table after collecting just eight points from their opening 10 matches. The Red Devils will travel to Anfield to face arch-rivals Liverpool following the November international break.
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