According to reports, Mauricio Pochettino has reached a principled agreement with Manchester United to take over as manager if Carrick is sacked. However, Lovren has advised the Argentine to reconsider.
Former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has urged Mauricio Pochettino to steer clear of the Manchester United manager's job and warned the Argentine that there are "definitely bigger problems at Old Trafford than just changing the manager."
Pochettino has reportedly reached a principled agreement with Manchester United to become their new manager if Carrick is dismissed. The Red Devils' hierarchy will make a final decision on the Englishman's future during a summit in Monaco on Wednesday (November 11). Manchester United narrowly salvaged a point in a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, coming back from two goals down twice. After 10 rounds, Manchester United has recorded their worst Premier League start in 40 years and is currently mired in the relegation zone.
Consequently, Carrick's position is precarious. Although Manchester United temporarily retained him after a 0-3 home defeat to AFC Bournemouth last month, calls for a change of manager at Old Trafford are growing louder. Pochettino has emerged as the top candidate, having previously held talks with Manchester United three times. It now appears the two sides are finally ready to take the next step. The only remaining issue is that Pochettino is currently under contract with the United States men's national team, with a buyout clause of $9.3 million. However, this is not expected to be an obstacle for Manchester United. While negotiations and final details are still being worked out, Lovren issued a strong warning to the former Southampton manager before Pochettino signs for Manchester United, advising him against taking the position.
In an interview, Lovren said: "I know Mauricio Pochettino very well, and I know what he likes, but I don't see him going to Manchester United. He is smart and aware of what's happening around the club, and there are definitely bigger problems than just changing the manager."
"Even with Carrick, you can sense some good things about him, but the problems are bigger. The foundations are not strong."
"There will always be a time when things go wrong, but Manchester United, as such a big club, has failed to return to the top for many years and is now somewhat out of control. I think they deserve, and have always needed, to be in the top four, but you don't see that."
As it stands, Carrick was still leading training as usual at Carrington on Wednesday, while Pochettino will lead the United States team in matches against Haiti on Saturday and next Wednesday. However, it is understood that Manchester United and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) will accelerate negotiations to discuss when the former Tottenham Hotspur manager can be released from his contract. He only renewed his contract in August, which requires him to lead the United States men's national team until the 2030 World Cup. Pochettino reportedly enjoys his work with the United States team, but feels he cannot refuse Manchester United. If Manchester United ultimately decides to change managers, he is said to be ready to take over at Old Trafford.