In preparation for Pochettino's arrival: Manchester United officially end Carrick's tenure

Manchester United announced on Thursday the departure of Michael Carrick from his post as head coach, following the Red Devils' disappointing start to the current season, confirming their intention to appoint a new permanent manager as soon as possible, amid reports of an agreement with Argentina's Mauricio Pochettino.

Manchester United said in an official statement that they had reached a difficult decision over the need to change their technical leadership, having failed to deliver results in line with their ambitions.

Carrick returned to Manchester United last January and steered the team to third place in the Premier League by the end of the 2025-2026 season. He won 12 of his remaining 17 matches in the competition, collecting more points than any other side in that period.

The results nosedived once the current season began. United are enduring a grim spell, sitting 18th in the Premier League below the relegation line and 17th of 36 teams in the Champions League, with no clear sign of improvement in recent weeks.

All of this prompted the club's board to end the Englishman's tenure, despite the lift he gave the team in the second half of last season.

United were keen to praise what Carrick offered during his time with the team, affirming his status as one of the club's legends, both as a former player and in his recent coaching role.

The club's statement read: "Michael is a Manchester United legend, and he will always remain so. And just as he did when he was a player, he showed the highest levels of dedication and professionalism throughout the period of his return to the club."

It added: "His leadership and achievements during last season will always be a source of appreciation and pride."

United closed their statement by confirming the board is working to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible, without naming the coach in question.

The move came after Omar Berrada, Manchester United's chief executive, and Jason Wilcox, the sporting director, met Jim Ratcliffe, the club's co-owner, in Monaco on Wednesday to review the team's stumbling start to the season.

Press reports had linked the club with a move for the Argentine Mauricio Pochettino, coach of the United States national team, to succeed Carrick at Old Trafford.

According to those reports, Manchester United reached an initial agreement with Pochettino to take over as manager, while some details remain under discussion between the two parties.

The Argentine is tied to a contract with the United States Soccer Federation until the middle of 2030. His deal includes a release clause worth around 7 million pounds sterling, equivalent to nearly 9 million euros, which the English club must negotiate with the American federation.

United are also working to agree the members of Pochettino's backroom staff, with negotiations with the American federation expected to accelerate within the next 24 hours.

For all the board's eagerness to get the Argentine to Old Trafford quickly, they are aware of his commitment to the United States, who are preparing to play two matches against Haiti during the ongoing international break.

Pochettino could take charge of Manchester United before the clash with Liverpool at Anfield on 22 November, with most of the squad due back at the club by next Thursday.