Man United Board Undecided on Carrick as Pochettino Becomes Favorite
Manchester United have not decided whether to sack Michael Carrick after a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa left them 18th. USA coach Mauricio Pochettino is now the bookmakers' favorite to replace him, and his contract reportedly contains a release clause.
Manchester United's board has not decided whether to sack head coach Michael Carrick, and USA coach Mauricio Pochettino has become the bookmakers' favorite to replace him, as of November 10, 2026.
The 4-4 draw with Aston Villa left United 18th in the Premier League. It is their worst start to a domestic campaign in 40 years.
The board gave Carrick, 45, more time after a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth on 25 October. The draw with Villa was his third match since then, with one win, one draw and one defeat.
United have conceded eight goals in those games. They have also come back from two goals down three times across the last two matches, which the club's hierarchy sees as a sign the players still back Carrick.
Who could replace Carrick
After the Bournemouth loss, the hierarchy explored replacing Carrick. Former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and ex-Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann were considered, and they remain the top two candidates if United make a change.
Pochettino previously managed Tottenham and Chelsea. He is now in charge of the USA national team, where he signed a new record-breaking contract after the World Cup.
Journalist Mike Keegan wrote on X that Pochettino's odds had been slashed. "He is contracted to the USMNT until the next World Cup but – perhaps importantly – there is a release clause in his deal," Keegan said.
Reports on Monday said the Argentine is open to taking the job. Unai Emery and Antonio Conte are also reported to be on United's list.
Defensive problems
Carrick said after the Villa match that he would not step down. Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox will heavily influence the decision.
Only Crystal Palace and Ipswich have conceded more than United's 19 league goals. United have let in 15 times in their last three matches in all competitions.
Former United assistant boss Rene Meulensteen said opponents sense a chance. "All the Premier League teams, whether they play home or away against Manchester United, fancy their chances because you can open them up and score goals," he said.
Full-back Diogo Dalot drew the fans' anger at Old Trafford, with cheers when his number was shown for a substitution turning to boos. Carrick urged caution on dropping him. "We've got to be careful with that," he said.
The board is expected to use the international break to reassess. United travel to Liverpool on 22 November in their first match after it.
