POCHETTINO SET TO REPLACE SACKED CARRICK AS MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER

Read Time:2 Minute, 50 Second

By ‘Balogun Ibrahim

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly set to take over as Manchester United manager following the dismissal of Michael Carrick on Thursday.

The Argentine is expected to leave his position with the United States national team after their two-legged CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final fixtures on Saturday and Tuesday, with Manchester United reportedly prepared to activate his $10m release clause to secure his services.

Pochettino, who signed a contract extension just three months ago to remain in charge of the United States until the 2030 World Cup, is scheduled to address the media at a pre-match press conference on Friday.

Carrick’s dismissal followed a disappointing start to the season, despite guiding United to an impressive third-place finish in the Premier League last season. The club have managed just eight points from 10 matches in the current campaign and are currently in the relegation zone.

READ MORE…

NDLEA RAIDS NOTORIOUS EDO DRUG SPOT, ARRESTS THREE SUSPECTS

Manchester United confirmed his departure in a statement on Thursday, following growing speculation about his future during the international break.

“After 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,” the statement read.

The club also paid tribute to Carrick, describing him as a Manchester United legend and praising his dedication and professionalism during his time in charge.

Carrick initially impressed after taking over as interim manager following Ruben Amorim’s controversial departure in January, guiding the club to Champions League qualification.

His performance earned him a two-year permanent contract, but the team have struggled this season, with their fortunes further affected by what was described as underwhelming recruitment during the summer transfer window.

The former United captain also faced challenges maintaining discipline within the squad, including dropping captain Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder criticised his tactics following a 4-1 defeat to Champions League debutants Como.

Defender Lisandro Martinez also publicly criticised the club’s hierarchy over their failure to recruit enough top-quality players.

Carrick’s final match in charge was Sunday’s chaotic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa. Despite the team’s poor run, he insisted after the game that he had no intention of resigning.

He recorded just three victories in 15 matches across all competitions this season.

Reports indicate that his future was decided on Wednesday during a meeting in Monaco involving co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.

Pochettino brings considerable Premier League experience, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. He also coached French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Meanwhile, former Manchester United captain Gary Neville criticised the club’s treatment of Carrick, describing his dismissal as unacceptable.

“It’s just quite simply disgusting,” Neville told Sky Sports, adding that the decision fell below the standards expected of a reputable organisation.

The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust also described Carrick’s departure as “another depressing moment”, blaming the club’s ownership structure, particularly the Glazer family and minority shareholder Ratcliffe, for its continued struggles.

The supporters’ group argued that despite promises of sporting excellence from INEOS following its arrival, repeated changes in the club’s football leadership had failed to deliver the desired results.

Manchester United are scheduled to face arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield on November 22 in their next fixture.