How Pochettino came on Man Utd's radar - and what Carrick was told when

Manchester United sacked Carrick on Thursday after poor results; Pochettino identified as replacement with a $10m release clause from the USMNT.

Michael Carrick was dismissed as Manchester United manager on Thursday after just 15 games, with the club's leadership having signalled the decision to his representatives earlier in the week. Chief executive Omar Berrada contacted Carrick's agent on Monday to indicate that a recommendation regarding his future would be made following a planned meeting in Monaco with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and director of football Jason Wilcox.

Carrick's tenure unravelled following heavy defeats to Como and Bournemouth. United's hierarchy set clear expectations that results and performances needed to improve over three subsequent matches against Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa. A defeat, victory and draw proved insufficient; the club felt there was not enough progress, particularly in defensive structure, with eight goals conceded across the period.

Mauricio Pochettino has been identified as Carrick's replacement. United became aware of a $10m (£7m) release clause in Pochettino's contract with the United States national team, with some sources indicating it was Pochettino's representatives who informed the Premier League club. On Wednesday, Berrada contacted US Soccer to confirm the clause's existence and United's intention to activate it.