Carrick set for Man Utd exit as Celtic lead next club odds

Michael Carrick is set to be sacked by Manchester United, with the club marooned in the relegation zone after a disastrous start to the season.

Old Trafford chiefs are preparing to dismiss the 45-year-old following a campaign that has brought just one Premier League victory. The run marks United's worst start to a domestic campaign in 40 years, with the club languishing in 18th place.

Pochettino among candidates to replace Carrick

Carrick is expected to be relieved of his duties this week, with former Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino among the leading candidates to take over.

Bookmakers have already begun speculating on where Carrick's next destination could be. Canada Sports Betting have made Celtic the favourites at 12/1, with Scottish Premiership rivals Hearts priced at 50/1.

Celtic and other clubs linked with Carrick

Crystal Palace, who are poised to part with Pierre Sage and have been linked with ex-Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou, are listed at 16/1. A move to Major League Soccer is priced at 25/1.

Although Carrick is likely to take time out of the game after a draining spell back at Old Trafford, the former midfielder could be open to offers at the end of the season.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is expected to depart Parkhead next summer, and ex-Middlesbrough boss Carrick could feature on the club's list of potential targets, alongside former Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna. Robbie Keane, who was interviewed by Celtic chiefs at the end of last term, remains out of work after leaving Ferencvaros in the summer.

Speaking to BOYLE Sports, former England defender Danny Mills said the Celtic hierarchy will already be working on a succession plan.

He said: "I think Martin O'Neill has come in and done well, obviously they have had a couple of wobbles. He is an absolute legend at that football club but I guess it might be time to start having to look at who is next.

"Obviously Robbie Keane has done very, very well abroad, he hasn't had a chance yet in this country. He did very, very well with Ferencvaros and got them to the Europa League last 16.

"He did very well at Celtic as a player. But it's a different game. He's gone away, he's educated himself, he's taken an unusually difficult route, and I guess he's just waiting for his opportunity in England or Scotland to get a job that he fancies."