Michael Carrick was sacked as Manchester United head coach on Thursday, and Mauricio Pochettino is finalising a move to replace him after United triggered a $10m (£7m) release clause in his contract with the United States national team.
Carrick had good reason to expect what was coming. Reports of his dismissal were widespread, followed by information about his successor. More importantly, he and his representatives received clear signals about what lay ahead.
The warning signs
On Monday, according to well-placed sources, Carrick’s agent was contacted by chief executive Omar Berrada. He told the agent that Carrick and director of football Jason Wilcox would travel to Monaco for a planned meeting with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, which would include a discussion about the head coach’s future.
A day later, Wilcox is believed to have had a similar conversation with Carrick. On both occasions, it was communicated that a recommendation about Carrick’s future at the club would be made. It is not clear whether Carrick and his representatives understood that the recommendation would be his dismissal.
Behind the scenes, there is some regret at United that the events leading to Carrick’s departure played out so publicly. However, keeping such developments private is extremely difficult at a club of United’s size. Those close to the club feel they were as transparent with Carrick as they could be.
A three-game test that went against him
Following heavy defeats by Como and Bournemouth, United placed huge importance on their next three matches, against Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa. The club’s leadership team made it clear to Carrick that results and performances needed to improve. A defeat, a victory and a draw were not enough to save him.
United felt there was not enough progress during that period, particularly in terms of team structure. The fact they conceded eight goals underlined those concerns.
Carrick conducted himself with great dignity during the turmoil of recent days. He leaves the club with his standing as a United great intact, at least in the eyes of supporters.
A positive start that faded
United first appointed Carrick on an interim basis after they sacked Ruben Amorim in January. He had an immediate positive impact on the squad and on results. The club valued his messaging to players and the media, and felt he brought calm to difficult times. He also protected his players at every opportunity, which contrasted with at least the closing stages of Amorim’s tenure.
The hierarchy believed Carrick’s style allowed the forwards more freedom on the pitch. United won 12 of their last 17 matches of the season under him.
Although United considered other options during the summer, they felt Carrick had earned a chance at the job permanently. The 45-year-old signed a two-year deal, though the club contractually protected itself in case of an early termination. United also wanted to give the squad some managerial stability, given the increased turnover of head coaches in recent years.
The new season started poorly with a defeat at newly promoted Hull City, and the team’s form declined from there. United now sit third from bottom of the Premier League and 17th in the Champions League table.
Pochettino’s route to Old Trafford
Talks with Pochettino have been ongoing since Monday. On Wednesday, Berrada contacted the US Soccer Federation to confirm the existence of the release clause and United’s intention to activate it. Those across the Atlantic were not surprised by the news. Pochettino had been open with his employers about the discussions with United and, most importantly, his intention to return to the Premier League.
United want Pochettino in place as soon as possible, but they have respected the USA’s commitments. The team still has two fixtures against Haiti, the second of which takes place on 18 November. If Pochettino takes charge of that game, he is expected to be at United’s Carrington headquarters on 19 November, four days before they face Liverpool.