Mauricio Pochettino Emerges as Favourite to Replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United

Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the favourite to become Manchester United’s next Head Coach, with Michael Carrick reportedly on the verge of being sacked following a disastrous start to the 2026/27 Premier League season.

The Red Devils currently sit 18th in the Premier League table, having won just one of their opening ten matches. Sunday’s dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford has increased the pressure on Carrick, with senior officials now expected to recommend his dismissal.

According to reports, United Chief Executive Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox are preparing to recommend a managerial change to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with discussions expected to take place during the November international break.

Four managers have emerged as leading contenders to replace Carrick, with Pochettino joined by Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte. However, the Argentine has become the leading candidate over the last 48 hours, overtaking Howe in several bookmakers’ markets.

Mauricio Pochettino Becomes Favourite for Manchester United Job

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Carrick, with reports suggesting the 54-year-old would welcome the opportunity to return to Premier League management.

Pochettino is currently in charge of the United States national team, having signed a contract extension until 2030 in August following their involvement in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, his agreement reportedly includes a release clause allowing him to leave for certain high-profile managerial opportunities, potentially opening the door to a move to Old Trafford.

The Argentine has been linked with Manchester United on several previous occasions, including before Erik ten Hag’s appointment in 2022, but has never managed the club.

His previous Premier League experience includes spells with Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea. Pochettino notably guided Spurs to the 2019 Champions League Final, where they were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool, before winning the Ligue 1 title during his time at Paris Saint-Germain.

Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte Also in Contention

Despite Pochettino’s emergence as favourite, three other experienced managers remain firmly in contention for the Manchester United position.

Eddie Howe had previously been regarded as the leading candidate following his departure from Newcastle United in July. The Englishman spent five years at St James’ Park, guiding Newcastle into the Champions League and ending their 56-year wait for a major domestic trophy by winning the 2025 Carabao Cup.

Howe’s Premier League experience is understood to appeal to United’s hierarchy, particularly Wilcox, while the 48-year-old is reportedly open to returning to management at Old Trafford. However, his position as the leading candidate has weakened following Pochettino’s emergence.

Julian Nagelsmann is another manager attracting interest, having previously worked at RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and the Germany national team.

The 39-year-old has been available since leaving his position with Germany following their elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Nagelsmann has been linked with Manchester United throughout the autumn, with recruitment director Christopher Vivell reportedly among his admirers.

His experience in the Bundesliga and international football makes him another potential option for United, although reports suggest that Pochettino and Howe currently have stronger claims to the position.

Antonio Conte completes the four leading contenders, with the former Chelsea and Tottenham manager reportedly interested in taking charge at Old Trafford.

Conte has been without a club since leaving Napoli in May, having previously enjoyed considerable success in England and Italy. The Italian won the Premier League title with Chelsea in 2016/17 and has also secured domestic league titles with Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli.

However, reports suggest Conte would seek assurances over his control of football operations before agreeing to take the position, potentially complicating any appointment.

All four managers have been linked with the vacancy, although Manchester United have yet to publicly identify their preferred replacement.

Manchester United Expected to Make Decision on Carrick’s Future

Carrick’s position has become increasingly uncertain following a poor start to the season, with United recording just three victories from 15 matches across all competitions.

The 45-year-old was appointed permanent Head Coach in May after an impressive interim spell that saw United finish third in the Premier League and qualify for the Champions League.

However, those performances have not carried over into the current campaign, with Manchester United now facing the prospect of a relegation battle.

United considered dismissing Carrick following their 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth on 25th October but decided to give him another three matches before reviewing his position during the international break.

A defeat against Chelsea, a Champions League victory over Roma and Sunday’s 4-4 draw against Aston Villa have reportedly failed to convince senior officials that Carrick can reverse the club’s poor domestic form.

According to The Guardian, Wilcox and Berrada are expected to recommend Carrick’s dismissal during discussions with Ratcliffe in Monaco on Tuesday 10th November.

Manchester United’s next match is against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday 22nd November, with the international break providing an opportunity to appoint a replacement should the club decide to make a change.

Carrick remains in charge for now, but with Pochettino emerging as the leading candidate and three other experienced managers in contention, a managerial change at Old Trafford appears increasingly likely.

FAQs

Who is favourite to become the next Manchester United manager?

Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the favourite to replace Michael Carrick, overtaking Eddie Howe in several bookmakers’ markets over the last 48 hours. The current United States Head Coach is reportedly open to a move to Old Trafford.

Who are the four leading candidates to replace Michael Carrick?

Mauricio Pochettino, Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte are among the leading candidates being linked with the Manchester United managerial position.

Has Michael Carrick been sacked by Manchester United?

As of Tuesday 10th November 2026, Manchester United have not officially confirmed Carrick’s dismissal. However, senior officials are reportedly preparing to recommend that he be removed from his position.

When is Manchester United’s next Premier League game?

Manchester United face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday 22nd November 2026, following the November international break.