Why is Pochettino the favourite to replace Carrick at Manchester United?

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that Mauricio Pochettino is being viewed as the leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United if Carrick’s departure is confirmed. The story comes amid a severe slump for United, who are in the Premier League relegation zone after winning only one of their first 10 matches. The club’s next league game, away to Liverpool on November 22, is described as a major early test for any incoming manager.

The article outlines why Pochettino appeals to United’s hierarchy. The 54-year-old Argentine has built a reputation for energetic, attacking football, high pressing and developing younger players. His management résumé includes spells with Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and the United States men’s national team. At Tottenham, he guided the club to a Champions League final in 2019 and helped promote players such as Harry Kane and Dele Alli. He also won league titles with PSG and later coached the USA through the 2026 World Cup before extending his contract in August.

Al Jazeera also notes possible concerns. Pochettino’s approach can leave teams exposed defensively, and United’s back line has already conceded heavily this season. The article adds that he has sometimes been criticized for focusing more on league campaigns than cup competitions, a point that may matter because United face a crowded run of matches if a change is made during the international break.

More broadly, the piece frames the potential appointment as part of United’s wider effort to rediscover a clear identity after years of turbulence since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.