Michael Carrick set to leave Manchester United as Mauricio Pochettino emerges as leading contender

Michael Carrick is expected to be informed of his dismissal as Manchester United manager on Thursday, with the club understood to be preparing to announce the decision within the next few hours.

The English radio station TalkSport reports that Carrick will be told about his departure tomorrow, despite having already been present at the club’s Carrington training centre on Wednesday.

Manchester United are understood to be considering Mauricio Pochettino as Carrick’s successor. The Argentine, who is currently manager of the United States, is among the leading candidates to take charge at Old Trafford.

According to The Athletic, Manchester United are preparing to make an approach for Pochettino if the club reaches a final decision to replace Carrick. The former Tottenham manager is one of the options being considered, with discussions about the terms of a possible appointment currently taking place with his representatives.

Pochettino is viewed as one of the principal candidates for the role. Eddie Howe, the former Newcastle United manager, and Julian Nagelsmann, the former Germany manager, are also admired by some senior figures at Manchester United.

Carrick’s position has been under increasing pressure for several weeks. His team have won only one league match since the start of the season and have recorded three victories in all competitions.

Manchester United’s management initially decided to give Carrick and his players more time after their 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford last month. The club had hoped that additional time would allow the team to improve its results and change the direction of the campaign.

However, United managed only one victory in their next three matches. That win came against Roma in the Champions League, increasing expectations that Carrick’s time as manager was coming to an end.

Carrick, 45, has taken charge of Manchester United for 35 matches, recording 17 wins, nine draws and nine defeats.

The former England international moved into the manager’s role with the club under mounting scrutiny after a run of disappointing league results. Despite the decision to delay any immediate action following the Bournemouth defeat, the subsequent results have not provided the improvement the club wanted.

With the prospect of Carrick being formally notified on Thursday, Manchester United’s attention has turned towards identifying his replacement. Pochettino currently appears to be the strongest option, although Howe and Nagelsmann remain among the alternatives favoured by members of the club’s hierarchy.