Manchester United dismissed Michael Carrick on Nov. 12 after a start to the 2026โ27 season that left the club in the Premier Leagueโs relegation zone, according to USA TODAY. United entered the November international break in 18th place, with one win from its first 10 league matches. Source
In a club statement reproduced by USA TODAY, United said: โAfter 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.โ It also said it intended to appoint a permanent successor โas quickly as possible.โ Source
Eighteenth is an awkward place from which to talk about ambitions. USA TODAY put Unitedโs record across all competitions at three wins in 15 matches, two of them in the Champions League. Source
Carrick had taken over as caretaker in January after Ruben Amorimโs dismissal, then earned the permanent job by helping United finish third in 2025โ26 and qualify for the Champions League, the report said. He departed just three months into his first full season. Source
Where does that leave Pochettino?
USA TODAYโs Nov. 12 update identified U.S. menโs national team coach Mauricio Pochettino as Carrickโs likely replacement but did not confirm an appointment. Citing ESPN, it reported that United aimed to finalize a deal that day. Source
On Nov. 12, USMNT forward Folarin Balogun said he wanted Pochettino to stay, according to USA TODAY: โIf I had a vote, I would like to keep things the way they are.โ Source
United wanted a new coach quickly. At least one of Pochettinoโs players would rather it shopped elsewhere.
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