Here’s how Michael Carrick learned about Man Utd’s sacking and the real reason behind INEOS ‘delay’ is now clear.
Michael Carrick was told about his Manchester United departure by chief executive Omar Berrada on Thursday morning, according to reports. It’s said that Berrada wanted to share the news with Carrick in person.
Manchester United confirmed Carrick’s sacking around 10:30am on Thursday and said they plan to find a permanent replacement as soon as possible. Mauricio Pochettino is expected to take over at Old Trafford, leaving his role as head coach of the US men’s national team next week.
Videos of Carrick leaving United’s training ground, Carrington, for the last time as head coach have been shared on social media. After a hectic few days, new details have come out about what happened behind the scenes.
The Athletic reports that Berrada was the one who told Carrick the club was parting ways with him immediately, wanting to do it face-to-face. Many feel Carrick deserved better, especially since co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who rarely speaks publicly, held a meeting about Carrick’s future from his home in Monaco instead of coming to Manchester.
Ratcliffe was in Monaco for the biannual INEOS CEO summit on Tuesday and considered it “inflexible” to change his plans for United events. This reportedly delayed the decision on Carrick.
Director of football Jason Wilcox wanted to see improvements, especially in set pieces. Former head coach Ruben Amorim had criticized Wilcox before being sacked, even saying Wilcox was one of the people “who need to do their jobs” in his last press conference.
The atmosphere at the training ground was described as “quiet,” with some expecting Carrick’s exit.
Pochettino will coach his final two USMNT games against Haiti in the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals before heading to Manchester for United’s big match at Liverpool on November 22.
United’s interest in Pochettino only came out after their 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday, which was Carrick’s last game as coach. Other candidates like Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann were also considered. The Athletic says Berrada and Wilcox preferred Howe, but the Glazer family, who own most of the club, pushed for Pochettino.
BBC Sport’s Simon Stone reported that under-21s coach Adam Lawrence led training on Thursday, with four first-team players joining while others were injured or away on international duty.