Michael Carrick likely anticipated his departure from Manchester United, as he and his representatives received clear indications of upcoming changes. On Monday, well-placed sources report that Carrick’s agent was contacted by chief executive Omar Berrada, who stated that he and director of football Jason Wilcox would travel to Monaco for a planned meeting with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to discuss the head coach’s future.
Indications and the Pochettino Release Clause
A day later, Wilcox reportedly had a similar conversation directly with Carrick, with both occasions communicating that a recommendation concerning his future would be made. It remains unclear whether Carrick and his team knew that recommendation involved relieving him of his duties. By that point, BBC Sport was informed that United knew of a $10m (£7m) release clause in Mauricio Pochettino’s contract with the United States national team, with one source indicating that representatives of the Argentine manager brought it to the Premier League club’s attention.
Behind the scenes at United, some regret exists over how publicly the events leading to Carrick’s departure unfolded on Thursday. However, club officials note that keeping such developments entirely private at a club of United’s size is extremely difficult, and they believe they were as transparent with Carrick as possible. Following heavy defeats against Como and Bournemouth, United’s leadership emphasized the importance of subsequent matches against Chelsea, Roma, and Aston Villa.
Club leadership made it clear to Carrick that performances and results had to improve, and a record of one defeat, one victory, and one draw ultimately proved insufficient to save his job. Internal feelings suggested the three-game stretch lacked adequate progress, particularly regarding team structure, which was underscored by conceding eight goals.
Carrick’s Tenure and Pochettino’s Arrival
Despite his dismissal after just 15 games into a two-year deal, Carrick maintained great dignity throughout the turmoil and leaves with his standing as a United great secure among supporters. Initially appointed on an interim basis following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal in January, Carrick brought an immediate positive impact, calming the squad, protecting his players, and granting forward players more freedom as they won 12 of their final 17 matches of the previous season.
Although United evaluated other managerial options over the summer, leadership felt Carrick earned a permanent opportunity, signing him to a two-year contract containing contractual protections for early termination to provide stability. However, the new season began poorly with a defeat against newly promoted Hull City and continued downward, leaving United sitting third from the bottom in the Premier League and 17th in the Champions League table.
Discussions with Pochettino have progressed since Monday, with Berrada contacting the US Soccer Federation on Wednesday to confirm the release clause and declare United’s intent to activate it. The news did not surprise American officials, as Pochettino had already informed his employers about talks with United and his desire to return to the Premier League. While United hope to secure Pochettino immediately, they respect the USA’s upcoming fixtures against Haiti, the second of which concludes on 18 November.
Should Pochettino manage the second fixture against Haiti, he is expected to arrive at United’s Carrington headquarters on 19 November, just four days ahead of their fixture against Liverpool.
