[Official] Manchester United finally cuts ties with Carrick! Training ends, then the "You're fired" notice... Pochettino's appointment imminent: "Will pay US national team a penalty fee"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Manchester United has abruptly dismissed manager Michael Carrick () citing poor results. Mauricio Pochettino (), the head coach of the U.S. men's national soccer team, is the leading candidate to succeed him.

On the 12th (Korean time), Manchester United officially announced Carrick's dismissal in a statement. According to local reports, the appointment of Pochettino as his successor is imminent.

The club stated, "Carrick will forever remain a legend of Manchester United. We will warmly remember his highest level of dedication and his achievements last season," adding that they would "appoint a permanent head coach as soon as possible."

Manager Carrick took charge of Manchester United in January. In the remaining 17 matches of the 2025-2026 season, he secured 12 wins, recording the most points in the English Premier League (EPL) during that period and leading the team to third place.

However, a severe slump this season has held him back. Manchester United has managed only one win (five draws, four losses) in its first 10 EPL matches of the season, plummeting to 18th place, which is in the relegation zone. This marks the worst start in 40 years since the 1986-1987 season.

Since beating Ipswich Town on August 31, the team has gone eight consecutive league matches without a win, and has recorded just three victories across all 15 official matches. In the match against Aston Villa on the 8th, they also exposed defensive instability, ending in a 4-4 draw. Soccer statistics outlet 'Opta' predicted Manchester United's relegation probability at 20.9%.

Ultimately, Manchester United's top brass drew their swords. Jim Ratcliffe, co-chairman, and Omar Berrada, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), among other senior executives, held a meeting in Monaco on the 11th to decide on the dismissal. According to 'The Sun,' Manager Carrick was notified of the decision immediately after arriving at the Carrington training ground on the 12th and directing the team's training session.

Pochettino is virtually confirmed as the next head coach. According to sports outlet 'The Athletic,' Manchester United has already been in contact with the U.S. Soccer Federation to conduct negotiations. Manager Pochettino signed a contract extension with the U.S. national team until 2030 last August, but the contract includes a buyout clause worth approximately 7 million pounds (approximately 12.3 billion won).

Manager Pochettino previously guided Son Heung-min during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, leading the club to its first-ever UEFA Champions League (UCL) final appearance. Although the U.S. national team has Nations League fixtures next week, Manchester United is optimistic about an early arrival of their new head coach.

The Sun reported, "If Manchester United completes the transfer process early by paying the penalty fee, Manager Pochettino is expected to make his EPL return in the match against Liverpool on the 22nd, immediately following the international break."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original