Manchester United Weigh Mauricio Pochettino Move as Michael Carrick Faces Growing Pressure
Manchester United’s managerial uncertainty is intensifying as a poor run of Premier League results puts Michael Carrick’s position under fresh scrutiny. With the club drifting away from its ambitions and the next major fixture approaching, United’s hierarchy are reportedly assessing possible replacements. Mauricio Pochettino, currently in charge of the United States men’s national team, is emerging as a leading candidate—although appointing him could involve a substantial financial and contractual challenge.
Reports from French outlet Foot Mercato suggest United’s decision-makers are considering whether to make a change during the international break. The timing would give the club a chance to address the coaching situation before a demanding stretch of the season. According to the Daily Mail, the hierarchy would like the issue resolved ahead of the trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on 22 November.
Results Put Carrick Under Pressure
The immediate concern is United’s form. The team have won just two of their last 10 Premier League matches, a run that has weakened confidence in Carrick’s leadership and raised questions about the club’s direction. Even a dramatic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa has done little to ease the pressure: the match offered attacking entertainment, but also highlighted the defensive problems and inconsistency that have troubled United.
For a club expected to challenge near the top of the table, a prolonged spell without victories can quickly become more than a short-term dip. It affects league position, player confidence and the atmosphere around the team. United’s concern is not simply whether Carrick can secure a result in the next match, but whether he can restore a reliable style of play and keep the season on track.
Carrick took charge last January, replacing Ruben Amorim. He was later rewarded with a two-year contract in May after guiding United to a third-place finish and qualification for the Champions League. That achievement appeared to provide a platform for a longer-term project. The current downturn, however, has reopened debate about whether the club should continue with him or act before results deteriorate further.
After the draw with Villa, Carrick said he was not thinking about resigning. That response does not settle the question of his future, which rests with the club’s leadership. United must weigh the value of giving a manager time against the risk of allowing a difficult run to become a season-defining crisis.
Why Pochettino Is a Leading Candidate
Pochettino is reportedly near the top of United’s shortlist, in part because he already understands the demands of English football. The Argentine has managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, gaining experience in the Premier League’s intense schedule, media environment and competitive landscape. His previous work in England could make him a more familiar option than a coach arriving from another league.
His teams have often been associated with energetic pressing, quick transitions and an emphasis on developing players. Those qualities may appeal to United if the club wants a coach capable of improving the team’s intensity while building a coherent approach over time. A strong managerial fit would still depend on the squad, recruitment strategy and the authority given to the new coach—not simply on reputation.
There is, however, a significant complication: Pochettino is contracted to the United States national team. The BBC has reported that he could be open to taking the United job despite recently extending his agreement with the US side. His contract is understood to include a clause allowing him to leave if a suitable opportunity arises, but reports put the potential exit cost at more than €8 million.
That figure would be only one part of the calculation. United would also need to agree on the timing of any departure and consider how a move would affect Pochettino’s international commitments. The United States are preparing for a major period in their football calendar, so an abrupt change could require careful negotiation. For United, the question is whether the coach’s availability, experience and potential impact justify the expense.
Other Names in United’s Managerial Search
Pochettino is not the only coach being discussed. Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte have also been linked with the vacancy, while Eddie Howe was mentioned earlier. More recent reports, however, suggest Howe has rejected the possibility of managing United.
Each alternative would represent a different kind of appointment. Nagelsmann is known for tactical flexibility and modern coaching ideas, while Conte brings extensive experience and a track record of demanding, highly structured teams. Any candidate would need to fit United’s sporting plans, work effectively with the club’s recruitment operation and handle the expectation that comes with one of football’s most closely watched jobs.
That makes the search more complex than choosing the most recognisable name. United need to consider whether a prospective manager can address their current weaknesses, improve consistency and develop a clear identity. They must also assess availability, contract terms and whether the coach is willing to join during the season.
What Happens Next for Manchester United?
The international break could provide a natural window for United to make a decision, but a managerial change would not automatically solve the club’s problems. A new coach would inherit the same squad, the same schedule and the pressure to deliver quick improvement. The appointment would need to be supported by a realistic plan for training, recruitment and player development.
For Carrick, the coming fixtures may prove decisive. A strong response could strengthen his case to remain in charge, while further dropped points would intensify calls for change. The Anfield visit is particularly significant because it offers a high-profile measure of United’s resilience, though one result alone is unlikely to answer every question about the team’s long-term prospects.
Prediction: Pochettino appears to be one of the strongest options if United decide to replace Carrick, thanks to his Premier League background and reported openness to the role. But the outcome is far from certain. The cost of triggering his release, the timing of his departure from the United States setup and competition from other candidates could all shape the decision. Until United act, Carrick’s immediate task is clear: turn a worrying run of form into results and give the club’s hierarchy a reason to keep faith.
