Pochettino release clause activated as United informed Carrick of Monaco meeting before his Thursday sacking
Manchester United moved on Wednesday to activate Mauricio Pochettino’s $10m (£7m) release clause from the United States national team after informing Michael Carrick earlier in the week that he and director of football Jason Wilcox would travel to Monaco for a planned meeting with co‑owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to discuss the head coach’s future; Carrick was sacked on Thursday. United chief executive Omar Berrada contacted Carrick’s agent on Monday and Wilcox spoke with Carrick the following day, with both conversations communicating that a recommendation regarding the head coach’s future would be made.
Pochettino, who was appointed USA manager in September 2024, had kept his employers informed about discussions with Manchester United and his intention to return to the Premier League, sources told BBC Sport. On Wednesday Berrada contacted the US Soccer Federation to confirm the existence of the release clause and United’s intention to activate it, and those across the Atlantic were not surprised by the move. While United want Pochettino in place as soon as possible, the club is respecting the USA’s two fixtures against Haiti, including the second game on 18 November; if Pochettino takes charge of that match he is understood to be due at United’s Carrington training base on 19 November.
Sources said the club communicated to Carrick and his representatives that a meeting in Monaco with Ratcliffe would include discussion of the head coach’s future, and that on both occasions it was made clear a recommendation would follow; it is not known whether Carrick and his advisers were explicitly told that the recommendation would be to relieve him of his duties. There is some regret inside United that the sequence of events leading to Carrick’s departure was played out so publicly, but those within the club accept that keeping such developments entirely private at an organisation of United’s size is extremely difficult and "there is a feeling they were as transparent with Carrick as they could be."
The decision-making process accelerated after heavy defeats by Como and Bournemouth, prompting United’s leadership to place significant emphasis on the next three fixtures against Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa, with the message to Carrick that results and performances needed to improve. That three-game stretch produced a defeat, a victory and a draw and, according to sources, was judged insufficient because there was not enough progress in team structure; United conceded eight goals across those matches.
Carrick’s conduct since the club moved against him was described in the source material as dignified, and he departs still regarded by supporters as a United great. Initially appointed on an interim basis following the sacking of Ruben Amorim in January, Carrick had an early positive impact on the squad and results, and United valued his messaging, the calm he brought and his protection of players during that period.
On the field, United’s hierarchy believed Carrick’s approach allowed forward players greater freedom and pointed to the run in which they won 12 of their last 17 matches of the season as evidence of his early effectiveness. That form contributed to a decision in the summer to offer Carrick a two‑year contract; the 45‑year‑old’s deal included contractual protections for the club in the event of early termination.
Despite the summer backing, the campaign started poorly with a defeat at newly promoted Hull City and, according to the source, has deteriorated since; United are second bottom of the Premier League and 17th in the Champions League table. Talks with Pochettino have been ongoing since Monday, and with the release clause activated United intend to have their new head coach available for work at Carrington on 19 November if he fulfils his United States commitments on 18 November.
