Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the leading favorite among bookmakers to succeed Michael Carrick as Manchester United head coach, should Carrick be dismissed. The club's current struggles have intensified scrutiny on Carrick's role, with Manchester United reportedly facing the possibility of his sacking during the November international break.
Carrick's position has become precarious following a draw against Aston Villa that left United in the relegation zone, despite an earlier successful period in charge. Daily Mail Sport reported that while no final decision has been made on Carrick's future, the expectation within the club is that a new manager could be in place before the November 22 match against Liverpool.
Pochettino, currently coaching the US national team, has a contract with a reported £7 million release clause. However, this figure may not account for the cost of his backroom staff. His contract is also understood to include a clause allowing him to leave for specific high-profile opportunities, such as a role at Old Trafford.
As of early Tuesday morning, Betfair listed Pochettino at 4/7 odds. Other contenders include Eddie Howe at 5/2 and Julian Nagelsmann at 5/1, with Didier Deschamps, Antonio Conte, and Unai Emery also in the running with odds of 15/2 and 9/1 respectively. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, Kieran McKenna, and former England manager Gareth Southgate are listed at 20/1, while Thomas Tuchel, Diego Simeone, Sebastian Hoeness, and Cesc Fabregas are at 28/1, and Nottingham Forest coach Oliver Glasner is at 33/1.
Carrick took over from Ruben Amorim in mid-January and was given a two-year contract in May after leading United to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification. However, his tenure has seen only three wins in 15 games across all competitions. The team has experienced its worst top-flight start in 40 years, with just one win in their last 10 league matches.