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Manchester United are set to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager after parting ways with Michael Carrick.
The Red Devils have endured a disastrous start to the Premier League season, winning just one of their opening ten matches and conceding 19 goals in the process.
Man Utd sack Michael Carrick as Pochettino closes in
REUTERS/Chris Radburn
Manchester United officially announced Carrick's departure on Thursday, bringing an end to his second spell in charge of the first team.
The former midfielder had guided United to third place in the Premier League last season, winning 12 of his final 17 matches, but has been unable to replicate that success this term.
Manchester United's Carrick statement in full:
"Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.
"Michael rejoined the club in January and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season, accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period.
"After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions.
"Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered.
"The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible."
Pochettino is now expected to take charge, with United working towards an agreement to release the Argentine from his contract with the United States national team despite twice rejecting him for the role in the past.
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino looks on before a match against Chile at Energizer Park
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino looks on before a match against Chile at Energizer Park
The 54-year-old could also influence the club's recruitment plans, particularly in positions where United have struggled this season.
Antonee Robinson named as potential Man Utd target
REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
According to talkSPORT's Alex Crook, Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson is likely to be a target for Pochettino.
The 29-year-old has established himself as a reliable Premier League performer and already has a strong relationship with the Argentine through his involvement with the United States national team.
Robinson's name is particularly interesting given United's difficulties at left-back, with Crook suggesting that Luke Shaw should be among the established players moved on as part of a defensive rebuild.
Robinson would offer a more natural solution than Diogo Dalot, who has played there under Carrick this term, providing pace, defensive intensity and attacking support from a position that has become increasingly problematic at Old Trafford.
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United have previously monitored the Fulham defender, with Sky Sports reporting in June that he was among the options being considered alongside Newcastle United's Lewis Hall.
A move for Robinson could therefore see United revisit an existing target, although Crook has not suggested that negotiations or a formal approach have taken place.
Marco Silva hails Robinson's unbelievable Liverpool display
Antonee Robinson
Robinson has already demonstrated his ability against some of the Premier League's most dangerous attackers, producing a particularly impressive performance during Fulham's 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield in December 2024.
The American registered two assists while also completing five tackles and three interceptions, demonstrating his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
He was tasked with containing Mohamed Salah for much of the contest, with Fulham manager Marco Silva particularly impressed by Robinson's willingness to defend one-on-one against the Egyptian.
"What a performance," Silva said afterwards. "It’s really difficult to find one moment where he wasn’t at a really high level.
"Not easy to come here playing against a player like (Mo) Salah, the way normally they like to expose the left-back.
"We took that risk, to go one-v-one, many times. He was so brave, he was so assertive, he was so aggressive in the right way and he did it so, so well."
Robinson's defensive contribution was complemented by his attacking output, providing the final passes for Andreas Pereira and Rodrigo Muniz as Fulham twice took the lead against United's rivals.
"Being clear, what a performance from him. What a performance. Brilliant, unbelievable performance from him, and I told him at the end of the game that he has to be really proud."
With Pochettino favouring energetic full-backs capable of contributing in attack without neglecting their defensive responsibilities, Robinson could be well suited to his preferred system.
United's need for reinforcements is clear, and the opportunity to reunite Pochettino with a player he already knows could make Robinson an attractive option when the transfer window reopens.
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