Manchester United will reportedly choose from a three-man shortlist as they prepare to replace manager Michael Carrick, with the club sitting in the Premier League relegation zone. Carrick is said to be on the verge of being sacked at Old Trafford, with United one point adrift of safety after a dramatic 4-4 home draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, where two late goals rescued a point.
Carrick's Future Under Scrutiny
The result means United have won only one of their first 10 Premier League games. Carrick's future was considered following heavy losses against Como and Bournemouth two weeks ago, but club chiefs decided to give him until the international break to turn the form around. Of the three games since, United have won one, drawn one and lost one.
It is reported that Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox are now set to recommend to Sir Jim Ratcliffe that Carrick be replaced, with the search for his successor already underway. The Athletic reports that USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino is one of the leading candidates.
The Leading Candidates
A separate article from the outlet reports that Pochettino's buy-out clause is around $10 million (£7.4m), but United would have to pay millions more if they want to also appoint his coaching staff. The buyout clause would be only the starting point in negotiations, meaning United could potentially pay more.
As well as Pochettino, former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and former Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann both have admirers at the club. Both managers are out of work, although Newcastle would be due a small compensation fee of around £3m if Howe is appointed.
Experience and Compensation
Both Pochettino and Howe bring Premier League experience. The former had Tottenham challenging for the title in 2016, before eventually being beaten by Leicester City; he also led the club to the Champions League final.
Nagelsmann is the only one of the three that United wouldn't have to pay compensation for. The 39-year-old has previously managed RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich before spending just under three years as Germany boss.
