Berliner Abendpost - Manchester United Executives Meet in Monaco as Michael Carrick’s Future Hangs in Balance

Manchester United’s executive leadership has convened in Monaco for critical discussions regarding the club’s managerial direction, casting uncertainty over interim boss Michael Carrick’s position. As Carrick reports to Carrington, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are meeting with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to evaluate options, with Mauricio Pochettino identified as the primary candidate to take charge.

Carrick, 45, was photographed arriving at the club’s Carrington training ground on Wednesday morning at 7:45 am in his Land Rover, offering a thumbs-up to photographers despite his professional situation remaining unresolved. The contrast between the interim manager’s routine arrival and the high-level summit taking place hundreds of miles away underscores the precarious nature of his tenure.

Berrada and Wilcox flew to the south of France on Tuesday to attend a scheduled gathering of Ineos executives. During this meeting, they are expected to present their recommendations to Ratcliffe regarding the club’s next steps. All indications suggest that Carrick may be dismissed following Manchester United’s alarming descent into the Premier League relegation zone.

Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the clear frontrunner to replace Carrick. The 54-year-old former Tottenham, Chelsea, and Southampton manager is currently engaged with the United States national team at their training base south of Atlanta, preparing for a CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final double-header against Haiti. However, it is understood that Pochettino would be interested in returning to the Premier League.

If United decide to dismiss Carrick, the financial implications are significant. The compensation paid out to coaching staff and executives over the last three years under Ratcliffe and Ineos is projected to approach £30 million. Additionally, buying Pochettino out of his contract with the US national team would cost approximately £7 million.

United sources maintain that no final decision has been reached. Co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer must still give their approval for any sacking. It is understood that the Old Trafford hierarchy intends to inform Carrick of their decision face-to-face, meaning there may not be any official confirmation from the club until Thursday.

The potential exit follows criticism from United legend Teddy Sheringham regarding the team’s performance in Sunday’s chaotic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa. Speaking to BOYLE Sports, Sheringham placed blame on specific players for the team’s lack of tactical identity.

"I feel like this Manchester United team doesn't know whether they are supposed to be pressing or dropping off," Sheringham said. "I don't think they know what they are supposed to be doing from the first minute because even the little things are missing, for me."

Sheringham highlighted specific errors, including a mishandled header by senior player Harry Maguire against Aston Villa and nervous performances from goalkeeper Senne Lammens. While he acknowledged the team’s fighting spirit after going behind, he warned that such inconsistencies cannot continue at Manchester United.

It remains unclear what will happen to Carrick’s backroom staff. Goalkeeper coach Craig Mawson, who was already at the club when Carrick arrived, is likely to stay, as is Travis Binnion, who moved up to first-team coach after working with United’s age-group teams. Jonny Evans had just left his role as loans manager but returned to work alongside Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate as part of a new coaching team.

Carrick was handed a two-year contract in May. If dismissed, he would be due a pay-off from United, who have already spent £22.7 million in compensation since 2024 under Ineos. This figure includes £10.4 million to Erik ten Hag and his staff when the Dutchman was sacked four months after receiving a contract extension, £4.1 million to Dan Ashworth, who lasted just 159 days as sporting director, and £8.2 million to Ruben Amorim and his backroom team when they left after 14 months.

The total compensation would have reached £16.7 million but was reduced by half when Amorim returned to work at AC Milan. Pochettino was strongly linked with the United job before the club appointed Ten Hag in 2022 and again when he was under pressure two years later.

U.Neumann--BlnAP