Michael Carrick Sacked: Maguire Sends Farewell Message, Is Pochettino Set to Arrive Soon?

Manchester United have moved to secure a replacement for Michael Carrick after officially ending their working relationship with the English manager. Mauricio Pochettino is the leading candidate to take over the Red Devils' managerial post, while Harry Maguire has publicly paid tribute to Carrick.

The England National Team defender uploaded a photograph of himself shaking hands with Carrick via his personal Instagram account, alongside a short message to show appreciation for his former manager.

"You will always be a legend. All my respect and thank you," Maguire wrote.

This message reflects the working relationship Carrick built with multiple Manchester United players during his time leading the first team. Prior to becoming manager, Carrick was an iconic part of Manchester United history as a midfielder that won numerous major honours with the club.

However, his legacy as a player and success guiding United to a 3rd place league finish last season were not sufficient to retain his position. The club enforced the change after the Red Devils collected just 8 points from 10 opening Premier League fixtures, leaving them rooted in 18th place.

Against this backdrop, Manchester United are reported to have reached a verbal agreement with Pochettino. According to BBC reporting cited across British media, the United States national team head coach has confirmed he wishes to accept the Old Trafford role.

United have also contacted the United States Soccer Federation to discuss the release clause contained in Pochettino's contract, which is valued at approximately seven million pounds sterling. The club will also need to negotiate compensation packages for the coaching staff set to relocate with him.

While negotiations are understood to be at an advanced stage, Pochettino retains outstanding commitments with the US national team. He is expected to remain in charge for their upcoming CONCACAF Nations League Quarter Final fixtures against Haiti before officially joining Manchester United.

BBC sources indicate Pochettino will likely arrive in Manchester on 18 or 19 November to commence first team training. Should this timeline hold, the former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager would make his United debut in the high-profile away fixture against Liverpool at Anfield on 22 November.

This match will serve as an immediate first test for Pochettino, should his appointment be completed on schedule. He faces the dual task of lifting United up the league table, and rebuilding squad confidence following the club's ongoing winless Premier League run.

For Manchester United, this managerial change represents a last-ditch attempt to rescue a season that has fallen drastically short of pre-season expectations.

For Carrick meanwhile, Maguire's public message stands as one small mark of respect after their shared tenure at the club came to an end far earlier than anticipated.