Manchester United have reportedly decided to part ways with Michael Carrick, setting the club on a search for their eighth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013. Carrick is expected to be relieved of his duties before United's next match against Liverpool after losing the confidence of those above him.
The 45-year-old has overseen the club's worst start to a season in 40 years, with just one Premier League victory in 10 attempts. United's poor form has left them in the relegation zone with more than a quarter of the campaign gone, and Carrick is now expected to pay the price.
Final Training Session
Carrick arrived at Carrington to take training with the club's non-international players on Tuesday morning, but it is likely to be his final session in charge of the Red Devils. United will be hoping to have a new manager in place ahead of the Liverpool fixture, which will be their next game after the international break.
Potential Replacements
Several candidates have already emerged as potential replacements, with Mauricio Pochettino seemingly the early frontrunner. He remains contracted to the United States until the summer of 2030 but reportedly has a buyout clause worth around £7 million.
Pochettino boasts plenty of Premier League experience, having managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea before moving into international football. Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte have also been linked with the United job over the last few weeks.
All three managers were reportedly considered when United's top brass thought about sacking Carrick in the wake of last month's defeat to Bournemouth. However, it was reported at the time that part of the reason the 45-year-old was kept on was a lack of attractive options to succeed him.
Compensation and Availability
As such, it seems United could be reluctant to appoint Howe, Nagelsmann or Conte to succeed Carrick in the coming days. Howe remains out of work since leaving Newcastle in the summer, but the Magpies would still be entitled to around £6 million in compensation under the terms of his exit.
Nagelsmann is also unattached, having left his role as Germany head coach following their World Cup exit in the round of 32. Conte, meanwhile, is reportedly keen on the prospect of managing United after departing Napoli at the end of the previous campaign.
