Manchester United’s problems go well beyond the pitch right now, with their recruitment and directors facing heavy criticism. Fabrizio Romano recently reported that CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are under intense pressure, and potential changes are expected at Old Trafford in 2027.
The criticism has only ramped up after a string of questionable transfer calls. One of the latest flashpoints is the £50 million signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea, with a report from The Athletic claiming some figures at Stamford Bridge valued the midfielder at roughly half what United paid.
Right now, though, the immediate priority is figuring out a way out of this current mess. Michael Carrick’s future is being reviewed internally after a dismal start to the season, with Wilcox and Berrada leading the evaluation before making a recommendation to Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Carrick was handed a three-game window against Chelsea, Roma, and Aston Villa to turn things around following defeats to Como and Bournemouth. While Manchester United managed to beat Roma, a loss at Chelsea and that chaotic 4-4 draw against Villa did little to sway the hierarchy. The Red Devils are currently sitting 18th in the Premier League with just eight points from 10 games.
With Carrick’s position hanging in the balance, Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the leading candidate to take over. ESPN reported that the former Tottenham boss is United’s preferred choice, though Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, and Kieran McKenna are also in the mix.
Mauricio Pochettino would be open to a move to Manchester United, multiple sources have told BBC Sport. Pochettino signed an extension to his contract as USA coach in August. However, the deal is thought to contain clauses that would allow him to leave for specific high-profile jobs. BBC Sport reported in October that United had sounded out Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann over replacing Michael Carrick, who the club look increasingly likely to sack. Antonio Conte is also known to be keen on the role.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 9, 2026
Pochettino certainly has plenty of Premier League mileage. He built an exciting Tottenham team, led them to a Champions League final, and later took charge at Stamford Bridge. Even so, his potential arrival brings up an uncomfortable question for fans: is he the man to finally drag the club back to winning major trophies, or just another manager who brings steady progress without ever crossing the finish line?
His track record in England gives supporters reasons to pause. His Spurs side lost the 2015 League Cup final and the 2019 Champions League final against Liverpool. They also finished second in the Premier League in 2016-17 with 86 points, but could never turn that form into a title win.
His spell at Chelsea looked pretty similar. The Blues reached the 2024 League Cup final under his watch only to lose 1-0 to Liverpool, and he left by mutual consent at the end of the season despite a sixth-place finish.
Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not really gassed about Pochettino.
— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) November 9, 2026
For a club that has spent years complaining about accepting mediocrity, appointing a manager whose time in England always seems to end just short of silverware could be a tough sell. United needs someone capable of winning the biggest prizes, not just making them look respectable for a year or two.
Of course, writing Pochettino off as a nearly-man ignores his success at Paris Saint-Germain, where he won three trophies including Ligue 1, alongside his fine work at Tottenham. The real debate is whether he can deliver the sustained dominance United are desperate for.
Pochettino also comes with a loyal, ultra-experienced backroom team that has stayed by his side for over 15 years.
My preference is Pochettino, by the way. Will go further into detail this week, whilst it’s years too late, I think he’s the one I want.
— h (@htomufc) November 9, 2026
That trusted group includes first assistant Jesus Perez, assistant coach Miguel D’Agostino, and goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez, alongside sports scientist Sebastiano Pochettino and strength and conditioning coach Silvia Tuya. As U.S. Soccer confirmed during his contract extension, Perez, D’Agostino, and Jimenez share three trophies from their time at PSG and that famous Champions League run with Tottenham.
Bringing in that ready-made structure would give United some much-needed stability behind the scenes.
That kind of continuity could be massive at Old Trafford. United have chopped and changed managers constantly since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, bringing in entirely new coaching setups with every single change. Pochettino would bring a ready-made structure that already knows his methods inside out.
A tight-knit staff will not guarantee silverware, but it gives a manager a solid foundation. For a club that has struggled to keep a clear identity, having people who already know the boss’s expectations would be a huge plus.
I’m soo gassed for Pochettino man it’s finally happening
— jayy1z (@jayy1z) November 9, 2026
Pochettino also has a great track record with young players. At Tottenham, he turned Harry Kane into a star, fast-tracked Dele Alli, and gave vital minutes to academy talents. As Sky Sports noted back in 2015, his philosophy is simple: young players get a chance if they earn it.
There are definitely players at United who could use that kind of pathway. Kobbie Mainoo just committed his future to the club until 2031 after struggling for starts under Ruben Amorim, while the situation around teenage talent JJ Gabriel has raised questions about the youth setup. Gabriel asked to leave United in September despite training with the first team, as reported by The Guardian.
United’s recruitment plans also hint at a shifting midfield. As United made enquiries about Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White. While the 26-year-old is not an untested prospect, it highlights the need to plan ahead, and Pochettino’s knack for developing attacking talent could fit right into that rebuilding job.
Complications still remain, of course. Pochettino signed a contract extension with the United States through 2030 back in August, meaning United would have to negotiate his exit, and reports suggest his release clause does not cover his coaching staff.
Ultimately, a move for Pochettino presents United with two very different arguments. His backroom stability and track record with youth could fix some long-standing issues, but his history in England leaves legitimate questions about delivering major silverware. For a board already taking heavy flak over its recruitment, this is one appointment they simply cannot afford to get wrong.
