Carragher says: He backs Pochettino as United manager

In the podcast “Stick To Football” Jamie Carragher says that Manchester United, according to him, need a “best manager” and names Mauricio Pochettino as the ideal successor to Michael Carrick.

Carragher's statement can also be found via Google, where the podcast clip is shared.

Michael Carrick was dismissed on Thursday morning after a run of poor results.

According to Carragher, the club would have identified the Argentinian as the new head coach.

He emphasizes that United need a manager with Premier League experience because they are in a relegation battle that could turn around within four to six weeks.

He admits he initially thought of Eddie Howe, because he did not expect Pochettino’s availability; Pochettino had just signed a new contract as the United States national team coach.

He praises Pochettino as the “best man” with a great reputation, experience at big clubs and good handling of the media, despite not having won major trophies.

Manchester United activates clause, hires Pochettino as coach

According to sources, Michael Carrick was sent early in the week by chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox to Monaco for a meeting with co‑owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe about his future.

A day later Wilcox spoke again with Carrick and indicated that a recommendation regarding his departure would follow.

Financial details of the move

United is aware of a release clause of $10 million (£7 million) in Pochettino’s contract with the US federation.

United has paid less than €10 million to buy out Pochettino’s contract, which originally ran until June 2030.

The salary of the Argentinian coach is reported to be between €6 million and €7 million net per season.

Manchester United challenges the paradox: Pochettino and the titles

The contract is expected to run until June 2028 with a possible extension to 2029.

After ten matchdays, United sit in third‑from‑bottom place with eight points, one win in the Premier League and three points from the Champions League matches against Roma and Sabah.

Pochettino’s first match as United’s manager is scheduled for 22 November at 17:30 against Liverpool in the eleventh round of the Premier League.

The US federation is looking for a successor to Pochettino; names mentioned are Brian Joseph Callaghan, Steve Cherundolo, Julian Nagelsmann, Eddie Howe and Pellegrino Matarazzo, with even a possible link to Pep Guardiola.