Chelsea v Manchester United, ManU Premier League Michael Carrick Manager of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, London, UK on 18 April 2026. Editorial use only DataCo restrictions apply See www.football-dataco.com , Copyright: xNigelxKeenex PSI-24104-0007
Chelsea v Manchester United, ManU Premier League Michael Carrick Manager of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, London, UK on 18 April 2026. Editorial use only DataCo restrictions apply See www.football-dataco.com , Copyright: xNigelxKeenex PSI-24104-0007
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has taken training for a second consecutive day amid growing uncertainty over his future at Old Trafford.
Reports emerged on Monday that United were preparing to sack Carrick. However, the 45-year-old and his coaching staff have reportedly been left in the dark, with Carrick increasingly frustrated by the lack of communication from the club.
His position has been under scrutiny for several weeks following a difficult start to the season. United have managed just three wins in all competitions, including only one in the Premier League – a 5-2 victory over newly promoted Ipswich Town.
With five draws from their other nine league matches, the Red Devils have collected just eight points from 10 games, leaving them 18th and one point adrift of safety.
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement in principle with Mauricio Pochettino to take over as head coach, with the former Chelsea and Tottenham manager expected to replace Carrick.
Pochettino currently manages the United States national team and could remain in charge for their upcoming matches against Haiti on Saturday and Wednesday unless an agreement can be reached with the US Soccer Federation to release him early.
The Argentine would become United’s eighth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. The £7million release clause in Pochettino’s contract is not expected to be an obstacle for Manchester United.
Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox recently met minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco for a pre-planned meeting to review the club’s start to the season.
Carrick was handed a stay of execution following United’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth last month, but momentum is now building behind a change in the dugout.
United have previously held talks with Pochettino on three separate occasions and came close to appointing him in 2022 before opting for Erik ten Hag.
Pochettino is understood to enjoy his role with the USA national team but feels he cannot turn down the opportunity to manage Manchester United. The 54-year-old is ready to return to the Premier League, two years after leaving Chelsea.
Although he considers his spell at Stamford Bridge successful, Pochettino ultimately believes the club was not the right fit for him.
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