Schmeichel Criticizes United’s Handling of Carrick Amid Pochettino Agreement

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said the club was treating manager Michael Carrick disrespectfully and argued that Carrick should remain in charge through another transfer window. His comments came as United were reported to have reached a full agreement with Mauricio Pochettino, with Carrick’s departure still pending.

Carrick oversaw practice on November 11, 2026, as football director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada traveled to meet Sir Jim Ratcliffe for a previously scheduled discussion about the decision to dismiss him.

Schmeichel said he did not blame Carrick alone for the team’s position in the table, pointing to problems at the club that he said had persisted since Alex Ferguson and David Gill left. He argued that United should first stabilize the team, then recruit in January and assess the season realistically.

United have conceded 30 goals in all competitions this season, more than any other club in Europe’s top five leagues, and are reported to be considering three centre-back targets for January. Schmeichel said the club’s failure to sign a defender in the summer was a major omission, despite Carrick’s reported request for reinforcements during a training camp in Dublin. United spent £150 million on midfielders during the window.

Schmeichel said Carrick deserved the chance to bring in the players he believed the team needed. The reported Pochettino agreement remains contingent on Carrick’s dismissal.