Manchester United have decided on a frontrunner in their search for a potential replacement for Michael Carrick.
Carrick is facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford, with the club’s hierarchy preparing to make a decision on whether to continue with the former midfielder during the international break.
Michael Carrick refusing to resign ahead of crisis meeting
Manchester United’s immediate priority is resolving Carrick’s future, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox set to meet in Monaco on Wednesday.
United have managed just three victories in 15 matches across all competitions this season, with Berrada and Wilcox expected to recommend a managerial change.
Despite recovering from two-goal deficits against Villa and Roma, Carrick remains under considerable pressure, but has made it clear he will not voluntarily step aside.
“That’s not going to happen (resigning). I’m quite clear what direction the club needs to go in. It’s got to win games.”
Should United decide to make a change, four prominent names have been linked with the position.
Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly keen on taking charge at Old Trafford despite recently signing a new contract with the United States national team, while former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and ex-Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann have both been discussed internally.
Former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has also expressed an interest in the position, although a fresh update from David Ornstein suggests United may now be narrowing their options.
Ornstein suggests Mauricio Pochettino is Man Utd favourite
Speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast on Tuesday, David Ornstein indicated that Mauricio Pochettino could now be the leading candidate to replace Carrick.
The journalist suggested that United are not currently looking to pursue three of the other managers heavily linked with the position.
“Julian Nagelsmann is a name that has been mentioned. I don’t hear that that’s one they’re looking to pursue.
“Eddie Howe has been heavily rumoured, and I don’t hear that that’s one that they’re looking to pursue.
“Antonio Conte, heavily rumoured. I don’t hear that it’s one that they’re looking to pursue.
“So by process of elimination, you kind of get to somebody like Mauricio Pochettino, and you think maybe that is one.”
Pochettino is currently in charge of the United States national team, having signed a new contract running until 2030 following this summer’s World Cup.
However, the former Tottenham and Chelsea boss is reportedly interested in returning to the Premier League, with The Telegraph reporting that his agreement contains a release clause worth just under £7.5m.
The 54-year-old has earned considerable praise for his coaching ability throughout his career, particularly from those who worked under him in the Premier League.
Adam Lallana, who played under Pochettino at Southampton, previously described the Argentine as “world-class”, while former Tottenham defender Kieran Trippier offered another glowing assessment of his former boss, saying: “He was like a magician at times.”
Ernesto Valverde also being considered by Man Utd
While Pochettino appears to be emerging as the strongest candidate, Manchester United have also been exploring other options beyond the four managers most heavily linked with the role.
Football FanCast revealed earlier on Tuesday that former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde is another name under consideration at Old Trafford.
The 62-year-old has won five domestic league titles during his managerial career, including two La Liga crowns with Barcelona and three Greek championships with Olympiacos.
Valverde is currently available after leaving Athletic Club earlier this year, and his extensive experience and trophy-winning record make him an intriguing alternative, although there is no indication that United have held formal talks with the Spaniard.
For now, Pochettino appears to be the most prominent candidate following Ornstein’s latest comments, with United’s immediate focus remaining on the decision over Carrick’s future.
