Manchester United are in disarray, with summer signing Youri Tielemans reportedly involved in a bust-up with team-mate Lisandro Martinez following the Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid last month. The squad are also said to feel for Michael Carrick over how his future is being handled.
The disharmony means United sit in the relegation places in the Premier League table. The position appears to have cost Carrick his job, with Mauricio Pochettino expected to replace him.
The Argentine will have several things on his to-do list to turn United's season around. One will be to try to make the dressing room a happier, more united place.
Clash on the flight back from Madrid
The Daily Mail reports that Tielemans and Martinez clashed on the flight back from Madrid over the latter's comments criticising the United hierarchy. When asked on camera about his team-mate's thoughts, Tielemans simply said "no comment".
The comments, and the clashes in the dressing room after, were a sign that things were not all well at United. It showed in performances and results on the pitch.
But it does seem that the United dressing room remains behind the former midfielder. The report says sources close to the dressing room believe the United boss has been hung out to dry as the club works to appoint Pochettino without first officially sacking Carrick.
Secret talks over Pochettino appointment
It's said that United tried to sort the appointment of the USA boss in secret before delivering the news to Carrick. But the talks have been ongoing for the last few days.
Carrick has continued training at Carrington as usual over the last two days, despite speculation about his future. He arrived at the training ground as usual again early this morning.
It comes amid reports that several squad members wanted the club to appoint Aston Villa manager Unai Emery as Carrick's replacement. The Spaniard was among several names linked with the club when pressure first started to build on Carrick.
Pochettino closing in on United move
He was at Old Trafford with his Villa team on Sunday, and couldn't hide his anger as he stormed down the touchline after Patrick Dorgu's stoppage-time equaliser in the 4-4 draw. Villa were not likely to let their manager go without a fight, with United instead turning to Pochettino.
The former Tottenham and Chelsea boss is closing in on a move to United. The club are said to have contacted the US Soccer Federation and are set to pay the £7.5million compensation fee.
His arrival at United could be delayed if Pochettino remains with the USA for the two games over the international break. The team take on Haiti in two legs of their Concacaf Nations League quarter-final.
His first game in charge of United will come on November 22, when the team travel to take on rivals Liverpool at Anfield.
