Michael Carrick's position as Manchester United manager is under increasing pressure, with club officials reportedly leaning towards installing a new head coach during the upcoming international break. The team's recent 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford has seen them drop into the relegation zone, marking their worst Premier League start in 40 years.
Mauricio Pochettino, currently managing the US national team, has emerged as a primary contender. His contract reportedly includes a £7 million release clause. Other candidates previously considered, such as Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, could also be back in contention.
Carrick's side has secured only two wins in ten Premier League games this season. In the three matches since a significant home defeat to Bournemouth last month, United lost at Chelsea, achieved a comeback victory against Roma in the Champions League, and drew with Aston Villa.
While official sources suggest no final decision has been made and speculation might be premature, there is an expectation within the club that a new manager will be in place for the match against Anfield on Sunday week. Carrick was appointed in mid-January and given a two-year contract in May after leading United to a third-place finish. However, this season has seen a significant downturn, with only two wins in 15 games across all competitions.
Carrick himself remains defiant, stating, "That's not going to happen. We're in November. I don’t like this situation and where we are. But we can do something about it. I'm quite clear with what direction the club needs to go in, and it's got to win games."
A change would mark the eighth permanent manager or head coach for Manchester United since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement over 13 years ago. Pochettino has been linked with the role previously, and has extensive Premier League experience with Tottenham, Chelsea, and Southampton, as well as a spell at Paris Saint-Germain. Howe, who would cost approximately £3 million in compensation, and Nagelsmann, who is available after leaving the German national team, are also reportedly on the radar.