United discussed Carrick’s future before dismissal as Pochettino talks advanced

Manchester United told Michael Carrick that his future was under review before dismissing him, but it remains unclear whether he knew the club intended to sack him, BBC Sport reports. The club was also discussing a move for Mauricio Pochettino, whose contract with the United States national team includes a reported $10m (£7m) release clause.

United chief executive Omar Berrada contacted Carrick’s agent on Monday to say he and director of football Jason Wilcox would meet co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco to discuss the head coach’s future. Wilcox spoke to Carrick the following day. The club said a recommendation would be made, but whether Carrick was told that it would be to remove him is unclear.

BBC Sport says United had learned of the release clause by then; one source indicated that Pochettino’s representatives had told the club about it. On Wednesday, Berrada contacted the US Soccer Federation to confirm the clause and say United intended to activate it.

Pochettino had told his US employers about the talks and his wish to return to the Premier League, according to the report. United want him in place quickly but are mindful that the US team have two matches against Haiti, with the second on 18 November. If he takes charge of that game, he is expected to join United on 19 November, four days before their match against Liverpool.

United’s decision followed a poor run of form. After heavy defeats by Como and Bournemouth, the club had stressed the importance of three matches against Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa. Carrick’s side lost one, won one and drew one, conceding eight goals. United’s leadership felt the team had not made enough progress, particularly in its structure, BBC Sport reports.

Carrick had initially taken charge on an interim basis after Ruben Amorim was sacked in January, then won a permanent two-year contract. United had valued his impact on the squad and results, and the team won 12 of its final 17 matches of the previous season. But the current campaign began with defeat by newly promoted Hull City, and United are now second bottom of the Premier League, having won twice all season, according to BBC Sport.