Man United Weigh Carrick's Future as Pochettino Emerges Before Liverpool

Man United Executives Meet Ratcliffe on Michael Carrick's Future

Manchester United executives are meeting minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe this week to discuss Michael Carrick's future as head coach, sources told ESPN. The meeting in Monaco will include CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, and ESPN says it was planned in advance and not called because of the recent run of form.

ESPN reports club sources insist no final decision has been taken, but Carrick, 45, is increasingly likely to be dismissed before United face Liverpool at Anfield on Nov. 22. Pochettino, Howe, Nagelsmann and Conte are among the names mentioned, and ESPN says Pochettino's USMNT deal, extended in August, contains a clause allowing talks with specified European clubs.

Man United Form Under Carrick: The Numbers Behind the Pressure

United have one league win all season and are 18th after 10 games, in the relegation places, per ESPN. Since the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Oct. 25 they lost 2-0 at Chelsea, beat Roma 3-2 and drew 4-4 with Villa, conceding eight in those three games.

ESPN also reports that the club view the comebacks against Roma and Villa as a sign the dressing room is still behind Carrick, and that fans applauded him off on Sunday.

Our Read: Why Results and Resilience Point in Different Directions

This is our reading of the reporting, not a prediction of what the club will do.

• Two stories, one team. Fighting back from two goals down twice speaks to character. Being two goals down three times in three games speaks to a defense that keeps creating the hole.
• The timing is the tell. The international break gives United a clean window to change coach with most of the squad away, and ESPN's sourcing leans toward a move before Liverpool.
• The shortlist is out-of-work or movable. Howe, Nagelsmann and Conte are available, and Pochettino has a release clause route. That lowers the cost of acting quickly.
• A new coach is not a table position. A change can lift a squad, but one league win from 10 matches means the gap to safety is the first problem, whoever picks the team.

Evidence points both ways, and ESPN stresses that nothing is final.

What to Watch Before Anfield

• The outcome of the Monaco meeting, and whether Carrick is still in charge when the break ends.
• Any confirmation of talks with Pochettino or the USMNT's response.
• Who takes training and picks the side for Liverpool on Nov. 22.
• United's defensive record, with eight conceded in three games.

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