Mauricio Pochettino Favored to Replace Michael Carrick as Manchester United Manager

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino is the primary candidate to succeed Michael Carrick at Manchester United, with the club sitting just one point above the Premier League basement.

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino is the leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United, sources told ESPN. The club hierarchy, including Joel Glazer and Jim Ratcliffe, is prepared to dismiss the 45-year-old Carrick following a start that has yielded only one victory in 10 league matches. United currently sits one point above the bottom of the Premier League table, marking the worst opening to a season in the club's history.

Pochettino, who signed a contract extension with the U.S. Soccer Federation through 2030 this August, reportedly has a $10 million (£7.4 million) escape clause. The 54-year-old Argentine previously led the United States to the World Cup round of 16 and has interviewed for the Old Trafford position on three prior occasions. Other names under consideration by director of football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada include Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, and Kieran McKenna.

Carrick secured a two-year contract this past summer after leading the team to Champions League qualification as an interim manager. However, he has managed just one win in four games since receiving a vote of confidence from the board last month. Manchester United is scheduled to return to competition against Liverpool at Anfield on Nov. 22.