# Peter Schmeichel Criticizes Manchester United's Treatment of Michael Carrick Club legend defends Carrick amid growing speculation regarding Mauricio Pochettino's potential managerial appointment. - **Source:** [The Independent – Sport](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c1573a5c-6973-4267-bf7d-75d3afc68a5b ## Schmeichel Defends Carrick Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has publicly criticized the club for their disrespectful treatment of current head coach Michael Carrick. Amid persistent rumors linking Mauricio Pochettino to the managerial role, Schmeichel argues that the club's internal instability is the primary cause of recent failures rather than Carrick's personal coaching performance. ## Pochettino Linked to Role Reports suggest that Manchester United is actively planning to appoint Mauricio Pochettino if Michael Carrick is removed from his position. Pochettino, who currently manages the United States national team, is reportedly open to the prospect of taking charge at Old Trafford, potentially ending Carrick's brief tenure as the club's head coach. ## Systemic Issues at United Schmeichel contends that the club's problems date back to the departures of Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill. He believes that the leadership has failed to appoint the correct personnel to manage the team, leading to a gradual decline in standards that has persisted for several years without any meaningful correction. ## Defensive Failures Ignored A major point of contention for Schmeichel is the club's failure to address defensive weaknesses during the recent transfer window. He highlighted that the team conceded 30 goals in just 10 games, yet the management did not sign a single defender, leaving the squad vulnerable and unable to compete effectively. ## Call for Stability Schmeichel advocates for the club to support Michael Carrick and provide him with the authority to make necessary signings during the January transfer window. He believes that steadying the ship is essential, urging the board to allow the current coach to bring in players who can help move the team forward. ## Pochettino's Coaching Pedigree Mauricio Pochettino remains a highly regarded figure in football, having previously led Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final. His reputation for developing talent and managing at the highest level makes him a primary candidate for top clubs, though his current commitment to the United States national team remains a factor. ## Harry Kane's Endorsement Former striker Harry Kane recently praised Pochettino, describing him as a coach who had a significant impact on his career development. Kane noted that Pochettino provided vital guidance both on and off the pitch, emphasizing the manager's ability to push players to reach their full potential during their time together at Tottenham. ## Future Uncertainties Remain The situation at Old Trafford remains fluid as the club navigates a period of intense scrutiny and poor results. While Schmeichel calls for patience and strategic investment, the pressure on the current leadership to make a definitive decision regarding the managerial position continues to mount as the season progresses further. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/michael-carrick-man-united-manager-pochettino-schmeichel-b3083360.html — --- _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._