A review at Carrington, and a name in the frame
Michael Carrick’s grip on the Manchester United job is slipping, and Mauricio Pochettino has made it known he would listen. Sky Sports News reports that the USA head coach would be open to a discussion if United approached him, with his buyout from the US federation put at around £7m. No final decision has been taken on Carrick, and there have been no substantive talks with any candidate.
Carrick arrived at the training ground on Tuesday morning as the club carries out a full review of the season, led by director of football Jason Wilcox. The plan is for a decision before the end of the international break. With most players away and no first-team sessions scheduled, the club has breathing space to think.
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The numbers behind the pressure
United have one win in 11 games. They have conceded 30 goals in all competitions, which Sky says is the worst record in the top five European leagues, and this is their worst-ever start to a Premier League season. Sunday’s 4-4 draw with Aston Villa, rescued late at Old Trafford, extended the winless league run to eight matches. Carrick was given a reprieve after a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth a fortnight ago, with the bosses wanting three more games to see improvement.
The comebacks against Villa and in the match before did not outweigh the damage. Sky understands the hierarchy believe Carrick over-achieved last season, when United finished third and qualified for the Champions League, and that this squad has woefully under-achieved since.
What United want to avoid
If Carrick goes, the club does not want an interim head coach, which is one reason there is no rush. There are real doubts over whether he will be on the touchline when United visit Liverpool at Anfield the weekend after next.
Pochettino recently extended his USA contract to 2030 and is preparing to face Haiti in the Nations League quarter-finals. United have spoken to him about the job on at least two earlier occasions.
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