Manchester United Agree Framework with Mauricio Pochettino as Michael Carrick’s Future Hangs in Balance

Michael Carrick’s future at Manchester United is in serious doubt, with Mauricio Pochettino positioned as a possible successor. United have a framework agreement with the former Tottenham and Chelsea head coach, who wants the job, but Carrick’s fate has not yet been settled.

A board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday. Director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada are expected to recommend Carrick’s removal to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who controls the club’s sporting policy. The recommendation follows their assessment of Carrick and the team’s performances.

Pochettino currently leads the United States men’s national team. He signed a contract running to 2030 in August, but is open to leaving that role for United. Any move would involve a break clause requiring compensation to the US Soccer Federation, reported at about £7 million.

The framework agreement gives United a potential route forward if the club decides to dismiss Carrick. It is not, however, confirmation that he has been sacked or that Pochettino has been appointed. Eddie Howe also remains on Wilcox’s radar, according to the verified report.

Carrick was given three matches before the international break to show that he and the players could turn around a poor start. Across those games, United recorded a defeat, a win and a draw; the performances, alongside the wider run, have strengthened Wilcox and Berrada’s view that a change is needed.

The pressure had already risen after United’s 3-0 loss to Bournemouth on 25 October. Carrick came close to being removed then, but remained in charge after Wilcox and Berrada discussed his position at the training ground the following day.

The reported picture is stark: United are in the Premier League relegation zone and 17th in the Champions League standings, while recording three wins in 15 matches across all competitions. Those figures have intensified the scrutiny, but Wednesday’s meeting is the next step in deciding whether Carrick stays.

For Pochettino, the prospect would mean a return to the Premier League after spells with Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea. For United, the immediate question is not simply who could replace Carrick, but whether the club’s leadership is ready to act. Until that decision is made, the framework agreement remains a contingency—not a completed appointment.