Manchester United are considering a managerial change, with Michael Carrick facing the prospect of dismissal following the club’s disappointing start to the Premier League campaign.
The Old Trafford side have reportedly begun preparations to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as Carrick’s successor, with the Argentine emerging as their preferred candidate should the club decide to end the former midfielder’s tenure.
United’s difficult campaign has placed Carrick under increasing pressure, with the team sitting 18th in the Premier League after collecting just eight points from their opening 10 matches. The run represents the club’s worst start to a domestic league season in 40 years.
Despite being given additional time to improve results following earlier discussions about his position, Carrick has struggled to deliver the turnaround expected by the club’s hierarchy.
The 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday further intensified speculation about his future, despite United fighting back from two goals down to secure a point.
Club executives, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, have reportedly held discussions with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco as they consider the team’s direction.
Pochettino, who previously managed Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Southampton, is understood to be interested in taking charge at Old Trafford.
However, securing his services could prove financially demanding, as the 54-year-old recently extended his contract with the United States national team until 2030. Manchester United would reportedly need to pay compensation of about £7.4 million to secure his release.
The American football authorities are also understood to have prepared for the possibility of his departure, with a succession plan reportedly in place.
Pochettino has previously been linked with the Manchester United job on several occasions, but the latest developments could bring him closer to taking charge of the Premier League giants.
United are expected to make a decision on Carrick’s future as they look to arrest their declining fortunes ahead of their November 22 meeting with rivals Liverpool.