Manchester United, in the relegation zone after ten rounds of the English championship, confirmed on Thursday the dismissal of coach Michael Carrick, while the British media have made Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino the favorite to replace him.

Appointed in January 2026, initially on an interim basis, Carrick led the club from the north of England to third place in the Premier League at the end of last season, but they have only taken eight points from ten matches since the start of the current campaign, with just one win to their name.

"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," it reads in a statement where Carrick (45), also a former player of the club, is described as "a Manchester United legend" and celebrated for his "dedication" and "professionalism".

Manchester United entered the international break in 18th place (out of twenty) and will negotiate a difficult trip to Liverpool when play resumes on November 22.

"The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as soon as possible," the statement said.

Several British media outlets have reported an agreement in principle between the Red Devils and Mauricio Pochettino (54 years old), the current coach of the United States, known in England for having managed Tottenham (2014-2019) and Chelsea (2023-2024).

If appointed, the Argentinian will have the daunting task of reviving a declining institution, unable to regain its former glory since the departure in 2013 of Alex Ferguson, the coach of its greatest successes.