Manchester United could still retain Michael Carrick as manager, though with additional coaching support, as the club's senior leadership deliberates on its next steps.
Figures including Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox will meet with minority shareholder and INEOS supremo Sir Jim Ratcliffe on Wednesday in Monaco, where it is expected that Carrick will be dismissed from his position. He has overseen a run of one victory in 10 Premier League matches to begin the season, leaving the club languishing in the relegation zone.
Internal backing for Carrick
There has been an internal desire to see Carrick succeed and the hierarchy have backed him despite leading them to just three victories throughout the entire season. Should Carrick remain at the helm following the international break, then there exists the possibility of recruiting additional coaching expertise around him, as opposed to pulling the trigger.
Bayern Munich coach Aaron Danks, who worked with Carrick at Middlesbrough and was regarded as a prospective hire during the summer, represents one possibility. Carrick already has Steve Holland working beside him. Holland previously served as Chelsea's assistant before operating as Gareth Southgate's deputy with England.
Potential replacements considered
But the current situation is underperforming and United are looking to implement a change. No replacement had been identified until the past few weeks, and appointing a new boss mid-season brings its own set of complications. Several candidates have emerged on their radar, a number of whom are currently without clubs.
Mauricio Pochettino is among those presently employed, currently leading the USA, yet has previously been mooted for the role. Eddie Howe departed Newcastle during the summer and could be enticed back into the dugout, with his Premier League pedigree counting in his favour.
High-profile foreign coaches are also attracting attention, with Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte amongst the most frequently mentioned names. Nagelsmann has led both Bayern and Germany, while Conte has claimed league titles across four separate clubs — Chelsea among them. Both men possess the credentials to helm a club of considerable stature, even as United find themselves at their lowest point throughout the Premier League era.
Recent form and defensive issues
Carrick's embarrassment was spared on Sunday when United netted twice during stoppage time to secure a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa. Having fallen two goals behind on two separate occasions, United mounted successive comebacks, yet the match continued to expose their defensive vulnerabilities, a persistent weakness throughout the season.
