According to a report by FootballTransfers on Monday, November 9, 2026, the long-term future of Michael Carrick at Old Trafford is growing increasingly uncertain, sparking renewed speculation that Mauricio Pochettino could be brought in as Manchester United's next manager.

Although recent comeback victories against Aston Villa and Roma provided Carrick with temporary breathing room, the former midfielder remains under heavy scrutiny due to United’s dismal domestic campaign. The Red Devils find themselves languishing in the relegation zone after picking up just a single win from their opening ten Premier League fixtures. That dramatic slump in form has alarmed supporters and raised urgent questions about the club’s direction under its current leadership. Pressure on Carrick reached a peak following a demoralizing 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth in October, and despite brief moments of respite, confidence in his ability to steer the team out of danger remains low.

While figures such as former Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann and former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe were previously viewed as top candidates for the post, bookmakers have dramatically slashed the odds on Pochettino. The Argentine has now moved alongside Howe as a co-favorite for the managerial role.

Pochettino retains a strong reputation in English football, largely built during his successful five-year tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, where he guided the club to a second-place Premier League finish and a historic appearance in the 2019 Champions League final. Subsequent spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea yielded mixed results, raising doubts among some critics about his managing of high-stakes dressing rooms.

He currently serves as the head coach of the United States national team, having led them to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup before exiting in a 4-1 defeat to Belgium. A major obstacle for Manchester United is that Pochettino recently signed a contract extension keeping him with the U.S. squad through the 2030 World Cup. While his extensive Premier League experience makes him an attractive target, securing his services would require navigating a complex international contract, leaving United with critical decisions to make as Carrick fights to save his job.