# Manchester United Faces Managerial Change After Poor Start Mauricio Pochettino emerges as the primary candidate to replace interim coach Michael Carrick. - **Source:** [AS – Portada](https://as.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/64a43058-2b7a-4cf1-9e8f-68bd8d7d7c99 ## Historic League Struggles Manchester United is currently enduring its worst league start since the 1986-87 season. After ten matchdays, the team has managed only one victory, five draws, and four defeats. This dismal performance leaves the club in 18th position with eight points, placing them firmly within the relegation zone of the Premier League table. ## Carrick's Brief Tenure Michael Carrick stepped into the spotlight following the team's recent instability. His leadership provided a temporary spark during the dramatic 3-2 Champions League comeback victory against Roma. However, this momentum proved insufficient to secure his long-term position, as the club's hierarchy remains deeply concerned about the team's ongoing lack of consistency. ## The Aston Villa Collapse The final straw for the current management was the recent 4-4 draw against Aston Villa. Despite leading at various points, the team failed to secure a win, displaying significant defensive vulnerabilities. This result was viewed as a ridiculous setback that exhausted the patience of the decision-makers at Old Trafford regarding the current staff. ## Pochettino as Successor Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the leading candidate to take over the managerial role. His potential appointment is widely anticipated, with reports suggesting an official announcement is imminent. The club seeks a proven tactician capable of stabilizing the squad and reversing the current downward trajectory before the season slips further away. ## Urgency of Change The decision to replace Carrick reflects the extreme urgency felt by the Manchester United board. Sitting in the relegation zone is an unacceptable reality for a club of this magnitude. By targeting a high-profile manager like Pochettino, the leadership aims to restore competitive standards and improve the team's tactical discipline immediately. ## Tactical Defensive Failures The primary concern driving this change is the team's inability to defend leads. Conceding four goals against Aston Villa highlighted deep-seated structural issues that have persisted throughout the first ten matches. The incoming manager will need to address these defensive frailties immediately to prevent further points from being dropped in league play. ## Expectations for Recovery The transition is expected to be finalized shortly, marking a significant shift in the club's strategic direction. Fans and stakeholders are looking for a swift turnaround to climb out of the bottom three. The focus will shift toward securing consistent results and establishing a clear identity under the new managerial leadership structure. ## Long-term Strategic Outlook Beyond the immediate need for points, the club faces a broader challenge of rebuilding its competitive status. The appointment of a new manager is the first step in a long process to restore Manchester United to the top of the table. Success will depend on the squad's ability to adapt to new tactical demands. ## Sources covering this story - https://as.com/futbol/internacional/pochettino-por-carrick-f202611-n/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._