Michael Carrick is reportedly close to being sacked as Manchester United manager during the international break. The club sit in the Premier League relegation places, piling pressure on the former midfielder.
Two stoppage-time goals rescued a point in a thrilling 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, but that was not enough to lift United out of the bottom three. The team are one point adrift of both Coventry City and Nottingham Forest in the table.
Reports of Imminent Change
On Monday night, both The Guardian and The Athletic reported that a change is expected before the end of the international break, although the Manchester Evening News understands that a decision has yet to be reached.
United return to action on Sunday, 22 November, when they travel to take on Liverpool in the Premier League. Who will be in the dugout for that game is still to be seen, with Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Mauricio Pochettino all linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Howe's Stance
Howe is out of work after leaving Newcastle in the summer, but a compensation fee of around £3million would still be due to the Magpies. The former Newcastle boss has reportedly rejected the opportunity to take charge of Crystal Palace with Pierre Sage poised to depart Selhurst Park. The Eagles are at the bottom of the Premier League table.
Last month it was reported that Howe declined the opportunity to take charge at Champions League side Lens, who separated from Dino Toppmoller in September. Recent reports in the Sun suggest that Howe rejected a latest approach to assume control at Palace, with the 48-year-old still understood to be taking time away from management.
Howe's Statement
Following his Newcastle exit, Howe stated in July: "After a period of personal reflection, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step away from my role as head coach of Newcastle United."
"After nearly five years of giving my life, heart and soul into the club with unrelenting energy, I feel that it is in the best interests of both myself and the club to step away, recharge and take a break."
"Although it's been incredibly difficult to make this decision, I know in my heart that it's the right one. I have always put the best interests of Newcastle before my own in every single decision I have made whilst I've been here and this one is no different."
"It has been the privilege of my lifetime to have been the manager of Newcastle United."
