Michael Carrick is on the verge of being sacked as manager of Manchester United, with the club currently sitting 18th in the Premier League, marking their worst start to a season in 40 years. Following a dismal performance that saw the team draw 4-4 against Aston Villa after being two goals down, the club's leadership is reportedly finalizing a deal to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as his successor. The decision comes as minority owners Ineos, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, contemplate their fourth permanent managerial change in three years, emphasizing the urgency to steer the club away from relegation.

Pochettino, who is currently managing the United States Men's National Team, has emerged as the preferred candidate for the role. United chiefs Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox are scheduled to meet with Ratcliffe in Monaco to finalize Carrick's fate and discuss the potential transition. Although Pochettino signed a new contract with the USMNT in August, which runs until after the 2030 World Cup, he has expressed a strong desire to return to club football in England. The expected compensation for Pochettino's release from his current contract is around $10 million (£7.4 million), with additional costs anticipated for his coaching staff.S2

Carrick, who was appointed to a two-year contract in May after a successful interim spell, has struggled to replicate that success, with the team winning only three of their 15 matches across all competitions. Criticism of his tactics has come from players, including captain Bruno Fernandes, who has failed to inspire the team as he did last season when he was named PFA Player of the Year. As Manchester United prepares for a challenging away match against Liverpool, the pressure mounts on the club to make a decisive managerial change to salvage their season.S1S2