Manchester United knew about Mauricio Pochettino’s $10 million release clause before deciding to sack Michael Carrick following a string of poor results.
On Monday, Carrick’s agent was contacted by chief executive Omar Berrada and told he and director of football Jason Wilcox would travel to Monaco for a meeting with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The discussion was expected to include the head coach’s future. A day later, Wilcox relayed a similar message to Carrick himself. Sources say it was made clear a recommendation regarding Carrick’s position at the club would be made soon.
By that point, United had already been informed of Pochettino’s release clause in his contract with the United States national team. One source told BBC Sport that it was representatives of the Argentine who initially disclosed the clause to the Premier League side. On Wednesday, Berrada contacted the US Soccer Federation to confirm the release clause’s existence and United’s intent to activate it.
Inside the club, there is some regret that the process around Carrick’s dismissal unfolded so publicly. However, those close to the situation believe United were as open as possible with Carrick, given the difficulty of keeping such high-profile matters private. Carrick must have been aware the writing was on the wall before he was officially relieved of his duties on Thursday.
United’s recent results played a huge part in the decision. After defeats by Como and Bournemouth, the club placed significant emphasis on the next three games against Chelsea, Roma, and Aston Villa. Carrick was told the team’s performances and results needed to improve. Despite recording a defeat, a win, and a draw, the leadership felt the progress was insufficient, particularly in terms of defensive stability. The team conceded eight goals across those matches.
Carrick’s tenure began with promise. He was initially appointed on an interim basis in January after Ruben Amorim’s sacking and quickly brought some calm to the squad. His positive messaging and protective approach toward players contrasted with the turmoil during Amorim’s final months. On the pitch, the team’s style under Carrick allowed forwards more freedom, resulting in 12 wins from their last 17 matches of that season.
United’s hierarchy considered other candidates over the summer but ultimately decided Carrick deserved a permanent role. The 45-year-old signed a two-year contract, with clauses protecting the club if he was let go early. The idea was to bring some stability to a club that had seen frequent managerial changes in recent years.
The 2026-27 season, however, started badly. A defeat at newly promoted Hull City set the tone, and the team’s form only deteriorated. United currently sits second from bottom in the Premier League with just two wins and occupies 17th place in their Champions League group.
Since Monday, United has been in talks with Pochettino to finalise his appointment. The Argentine coach has informed the US Soccer Federation about his negotiations with United and his intention to return to the Premier League. The United States national team has two fixtures against Haiti, with the second game scheduled for 18 November. United are respectful of Pochettino’s commitment to these matches.
If Pochettino manages the second Haiti game, he is expected to be at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground on 19 November, just four days before their Premier League match against Liverpool.
According to BBC Sports.