Michael Carrick has left his role as Manchester United manager, and Mauricio Pochettino is set to replace him after United moved to activate a release clause in his contract with the United States national team. Carrick’s departure came on Thursday, after a run of results that left the club third bottom of the Premier League.
Signs of what was coming
Carrick appears to have had clear warning. On Monday, according to well-placed sources, chief executive Omar Berrada contacted Carrick’s agent to say that he and director of football Jason Wilcox would travel to Monaco for a planned meeting with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The head coach’s future would be on the agenda. A day later, Wilcox is believed to have held a similar conversation with Carrick.
On both occasions, it was communicated that a recommendation about Carrick’s future would be made. It is not clear whether Carrick and his representatives understood that the recommendation would be his dismissal.
Why the defeats mattered
Heavy defeats to Como and Bournemouth put the following three games under intense scrutiny. United’s leadership team, according to sources, told Carrick that results and performances had to improve across matches against Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa. A defeat, a victory and a draw were not enough to save him.
Internally, there was a feeling that not enough progress was made in that period, particularly in team structure. United conceded eight goals across those games.
A tenure that began with promise
United first appointed Carrick on an interim basis after sacking Ruben Amorim in January. He had an immediate positive impact on the squad and on results. The club valued his messaging to players and the media, and felt he brought calm to a turbulent period and protected his players at every opportunity. The hierarchy also believed his style allowed forward players more freedom, and United won 12 of their last 17 matches of the season.
When the club weighed its options over the summer, it concluded that Carrick had earned a chance at the job on a permanent basis. The 45-year-old signed a two-year contract, although United had contractually protected themselves in case of an early exit. Part of the reasoning was to give the players stability after a recent run of frequent managerial changes.
The season then started poorly with defeat at newly promoted Hull City, and results continued to decline. Carrick has conducted himself with great dignity throughout, and supporters are likely to regard him as a United great.
Pochettino’s move
Talks with Pochettino have been ongoing since Monday. On Wednesday, Berrada contacted the US Soccer Federation to confirm the existence of the release clause, worth $10m (£7m), and United’s intention to activate it. Those across the Atlantic were not surprised, as Pochettino had been open with his employers about his discussions with United and his wish to return to the Premier League.
United want Pochettino in position as soon as possible but have respected the USA’s commitments. The national team has two fixtures against Haiti, the second on 18 November. If Pochettino takes charge of that game, he is expected to be at United’s Carrington headquarters on 19 November, four days before they face Liverpool.