Manchester United have parted ways with head coach Michael Carrick, with the club set to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as his replacement, according to BBC Sport Football.

BBC chief football news reporter Simon Stone broke down how events unfolded over the past 24 hours — explaining why a move that had felt inevitable for some time ultimately took so long to materialise. The key decisions, Stone revealed, were made by Jason Wilcox, Omer Berrada, and Jim Ratcliffe during a meeting in Monaco, where Carrick's fate was sealed.

Pochettino's long-awaited arrival

Talks with Pochettino, it emerged, had taken place well before the official announcement of Carrick's departure. The decade-long courtship between Pochettino and Manchester United appears to be drawing to a close, with the Argentine widely expected to take the role.

Jay Motty of Stretford Paddock reflected on how supporters have processed the situation, particularly given how publicly the transition played out — including leaked discussions with Pochettino while Carrick was still in charge. Many United fans, Motty noted, feel sympathy for Carrick despite the club's poor form.

Tom Allnutt from The Times offered a broader perspective on what a Pochettino appointment could mean for the club's structure. Allnutt described Pochettino as a throwback manager — one who demands control and clarity in the hierarchy — and suggested his arrival could signal significant changes at the top of the club's footballing operations.

Questions over Pochettino's stock and promises made

The panel also examined whether Pochettino has been promised specific powers at Old Trafford, and why Tottenham Hotspur did not pursue him when the opportunity arose in the past. There were also questions raised about whether his standing in the game has dipped in recent years, and how he will handle the intense scrutiny that comes with managing Manchester United.

Crystal Palace sack Pierre Sage

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace confirmed the dismissal of manager Pierre Sage. The panel briefly discussed the sacking and what it means for the club's immediate future, with the question of who comes next at Selhurst Park left open.