The biggest domino has fallen in Manchester United’s pursuit of U.S. men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
The Red Devils fired manager Michael Carrick in a widely expected decision on Thursday, after club executives Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox met with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco.
Berrada and Wilcox informed Carrick of the decision on Thursday morning, ESPN reported.
The expectation that Carrick would be sacked had been growing all week amid reports that the Premier League club had been working to convince Pochettino to take the job.
Manchester United has had a horrid season in the Premier League and the club finds itself in the relegation zone after winning just one league match this season under Carrick.
Following the club’s 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday – a result that left United in 18th in the Premier League table – the feeling was that a change needed to be made before the season resumed following the November international break, The Athletic reported earlier in the week.
Sources told ESPN on Thursday that the club’s position in the Premier League was “not acceptable” and that the team on the pitch is “far better than results and performances so far this season have indicated.”
In a statement confirming the news, United thanked Carrick for his time leading the club.
“After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions,” Manchester United said in a statement. “Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered.
“The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.”
All signs now point to Pochettino taking the job, with reports on Wednesday indicating that the two sides were finalizing a deal to make him the club’s next manager and that Manchester United has made contact with U.S. Soccer.
Pochettino had signed a four-year contract extension to keep him with the USMNT through the 2030 World Cup, but that contract reportedly has a $10 million buy clause.
Should the pieces all fall into place, the USMNT will be searching for a new head coach, which could include a number of candidates.
The Athletic reported on Wednesday that U.S. Soccer executives are already eyeing legendary former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as their top choice. Under-23 coach Steve Cherundolo could also find himself among the list of potential targets to take over if Pochettino leaves for the Premier League.
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