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Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly interested in replacing Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager as the club struggles in the Premier League relegation zone.
Mauricio Pochettino (AFP)
Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly interested in taking charge of Manchester United if the club approaches him with current manager Michael Carrick facing the prospect of being dismissed after a disastrous start to the Premier League season.
United have won just one of their first 10 league matches and are in the relegation zone, marking the worst start to a Premier League campaign in the club’s history. Although Carrick took training as usual on Tuesday, ESPN reported that the club’s hierarchy are preparing to sack the 45-year-old, with Pochettino emerging as their preferred replacement.
The Argentine is currently head coach of the United States men’s national team and signed a four-year contract extension in August, keeping him with U.S. Soccer until 2030. The new deal, however, reportedly includes a release clause that allows him to speak to a major European club willing to trigger a $10 million (approx ₹94 crore) fee.
Pochettino, 54, is scheduled to lead the USMNT in a Concacaf Nations League quarter-final playoff against Haiti during the international break. The first leg is due to take place in Miami on Saturday. It remains unclear whether United will make a formal approach before those fixtures.
A return to the Premier League would hold considerable appeal for Pochettino, who has previously managed Tottenham and Chelsea. He also has experience at Paris Saint-Germain and continues to maintain a family home in London.
The former Argentina international has been linked with the Manchester United job on three previous occasions, in 2016, 2019 and 2024. The club opted for Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag respectively on those occasions.
United’s interest in Pochettino comes as the club faces mounting pressure over its performances under Carrick. The former United and England midfielder is now at risk of losing his position barely into the campaign, with the club’s poor results leaving them battling near the bottom of the table.
While no formal move has been confirmed, sources indicate that Pochettino would be open to the opportunity of taking charge at Old Trafford and returning to European club football.
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Ask News18Michael Carrick is facing the prospect of being sacked after leading Manchester United to just one win in their first 10 league matches, resulting in the club sitting in the relegation zone and enduring the worst start to a Premier League campaign in their history.
Ask News18November 11, 2026, 09:10 IST
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