Rumours Swirl: Who Might Replace Carrick at Manchester United?

Speculation is mounting around Manchester United’s head‑coach position as Michael Carrick’s future hangs in the balance. After a high‑scoring 4-4 encounter with Aston Villa, United sit 18th, a narrow margin above Crystal Palace, while Manchester City have just been consigned to the relegation battle after a 3-1 loss to Nottingham Forest.

Sources claim the club has already started scouting potential replacements, aiming to make a change before the Liverpool showdown in roughly 13 days. Any new appointment will need the approval of co‑owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family, who control the majority of the club’s shares.

Among the frontrunners are US head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who renewed his USA contract in August with a clause that permits a move to a high‑profile role. Former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and former Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann are also being considered as viable options.

Carrick was awarded a two‑year contract in May after an interim spell that saw United record 11 wins in 16 outings and achieve Champions League qualification – the best points‑per‑game tally under a permanent manager in recent history. However, the recent run has been starkly different, with just one league win in the first ten matches and a Carabao Cup exit at Brighton & Hove Albion.