Manchester United are reportedly preparing to sack Michael Carrick after a disastrous start to the season left the Premier League giants languishing in the relegation zone.
According to The Athletic, United are expected to part company with the former England midfielder during the international break, with work already under way to identify potential replacements.
Relegation Zone and Villa Draw
The report comes just a day after United's extraordinary 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford, a result which leaves them sitting 18th in the Premier League table.
While the report states United insist no final decision has been taken, it adds that multiple sources expect Carrick to be relieved of his duties before the club's next fixture against fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield in 13 days' time.
Ownership and Succession Plans
A final decision would need to be approved by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family, who remain the club's majority shareholders.
The report also names several potential successors, with United States national team boss Mauricio Pochettino expected to feature prominently among the candidates. Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, who most recently managed Germany, are also said to have admirers within the Old Trafford hierarchy.
Carrick's Rise and Fall
It represents an astonishing change in fortunes for Carrick, who was appointed permanent head coach on a two-year contract in May after a successful spell in interim charge.
The 45-year-old initially took over from Ruben Amorim in January, inheriting a United side sitting seventh in the Premier League. He inspired a remarkable turnaround, collecting 39 points from his remaining 17 league matches and guiding United to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification.
Indeed, no Premier League team collected more points following Carrick's appointment, with his impressive run including victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.
Poor Form This Season
However, that momentum has evaporated this season. United have managed just one victory from their opening 10 Premier League fixtures, winning only three times in all competitions. They have also been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton.
The Athletic reports that Carrick's position had already come under intense scrutiny following last month's 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, although the club's hierarchy initially decided to give him further time to reverse their fortunes. But a run of three matches producing just one victory, against Roma in the Champions League, appears to have convinced those in power that another managerial change is necessary.
