Mauricio Pochettino emerges as Manchester United favourite amid Michael Carrick uncertainty

Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United, with reports suggesting the United States national team manager is interested in returning to the Premier League.

Carrick remains in charge despite United's difficult start to the 2026–27 season, which has left them 18th in the Premier League after one victory in ten matches.

According to ESPN, Pochettino is the favoured candidate as United's hierarchy considers a managerial change.

However, no appointment has been announced, and securing the Argentine's services would require United to resolve his contractual position with U.S. Soccer.

Pochettino, 54, is reportedly open to taking charge at Old Trafford despite signing a new contract with the United States in August.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager agreed a deal running through the 2030 World Cup after guiding the Americans to the last 16 of the 2026 tournament.

According to The Athletic, his contract contains a release clause worth approximately $10 million.

The total cost of appointing him could rise if United also seek to recruit members of his coaching staff, including long-time assistant Jesús Pérez.

The Guardian has separately reported that interest between Pochettino and Manchester United is mutual.

However, the available reporting does not establish that personal terms have been finalised or that United have reached an agreement with U.S. Soccer.

Pochettino has previously managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea in the Premier League.

He guided Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final and subsequently won the Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain.

He took charge of the United States in 2024 before extending his contract for another four years following this summer's World Cup.

The national team are currently preparing for a two-leg CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final against Haiti during the November international break.

Any move to Manchester United would therefore require discussions over his departure from an existing international role.

Carrick's position has come under increasing scrutiny following United's difficult opening to the Premier League season.

The club have won only once in ten league matches, drawing five and losing four.

Although United recorded a 3-2 Champions League victory over Roma on 3 November, they remain in the domestic relegation zone.

Their most recent league match ended in a dramatic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.

United recovered from two-goal deficits in both halves, with Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu scoring in stoppage time to rescue a point.

Carrick took training on Tuesday while the club's hierarchy continued assessing the team's results.

Reports suggest chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are involved in discussions about the managerial position, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe also expected to participate.

However, United have not officially announced Carrick's departure.

Pochettino's Premier League experience makes him a prominent candidate, but there is no confirmed agreement for him to take over.

Pochettino is due to lead the United States in two CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti during the November international break.

Manchester United's next Premier League fixture is away to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, 22 November, with kick-off at 16:30 GMT.

United must first determine Carrick's future before any replacement can be formally appointed. If the club pursue Pochettino, his contract with U.S. Soccer would also need to be addressed.