![\"U.S.](\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/theme\/images\/th-online\/1x1_spacer.png\" "\\"U.S.")
<\/picture><\/div>\nManchester United reportedly reached a verbal agreement with current USA coach Mauricio Pochettino on Wednesday to replace Michael Carrick as their manager in a bid to revive the fortunes of the struggling English giants.<\/p>\n
Carrick’s stay in the Old Trafford dugout looks set to end following United’s worst start to a season in 40 years, leaving the club languishing in the Premier League relegation zone after an eight-match winless run.<\/p>\n
It is believed Carrick’s future will be decided at a meeting attended by influential shareholder Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox in Monaco on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Berrada and Wilcox are reportedly leaning towards dismissing former United player Carrick.<\/p>\n
Pochettino has extensive experience of the Premier League following spells in charge of Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea and also coached Paris Saint-Germain.<\/p>\n
It was only three months ago, however, that Pochettino signed a contract extension to remain with the United States through to the 2030 World Cup.<\/p>\n
But Sky Sports<\/i> reported Wednesday that United have “reached a verbal agreement in principle” with Pochettino, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford on several previous occasions, to become their new head coach.<\/p>\n
U.S. Soccer would be due compensation should Pochettino move to Manchester, with the 54-year-old understood to have a $10 million (\u00a37.5 million) release clause.<\/p>\n
A media event with U.S. Soccer players scheduled for Wednesday was cancelled in observance of Veterans Day, a decision that spared members of Pochettino’s squad being asked to comment on his possible exit.<\/p>\n
Pochettino is due to hold a press conference on Friday ahead of a CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final with Haiti.<\/p>\n
Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane lauded his former Tottenham boss ahead of England’s UEFA Nations League match against Croatia.<\/p>\n
“I can’t speak highly enough of him,” said Kane. “We’ll have to wait and see what happens but I know he’s a great guy but also a fantastic manager.”<\/p>\n
Carrick reported for duty at United’s Carrington training ground on Wednesday but it appears to be only a matter of time before his turbulent reign comes to an end.<\/p>\n
The 45-year-old had a reprieve after he was widely expected to be axed in late October following a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth.<\/p>\n
But United were beaten 2-0 at Chelsea, then scrambled a last-gasp 3-2 win against Roma in the Champions League after falling two goals down.<\/p>\n
‘Clear where we need to go\u2019<\/h4>\n
It appeared Carrick would be on the way out when his team twice trailed Aston Villa by two goals on Sunday.<\/p>\n
When United scored twice in stoppage-time to rescue an improbable 4-4 draw, it could have been another let-off for Carrick ahead of the international break.<\/p>\n
After the match, the ex-England international insisted: “I’m pretty clear where we need to go and how we need to get there.”<\/p>\n
United have the rest of the two-week international break to resolve their managerial situation before returning to action at bitter rivals Liverpool on November 22.<\/p>\n
Carrick has presided over United’s slide to 18th place — their lowest position 10 games into a top-flight season since 1986\/87 when they were 20th.<\/p>\n
He was hired on a permanent basis in the close-season after leading United to a third-place finish in the Premier League during his spell as interim boss.<\/p>\n
Carrick had won plaudits for steadying the ship after Ruben Amorim’s volatile reign ended in the sack in January.<\/p>\n
But, hampered by the club’s underwhelming recruitment in the transfer window, Carrick’s team have endured a steep decline this term, with United seemingly no closer to winning a first Premier League title since Alex Ferguson’s final season as manager in 2012\/13.<\/p>\n
Carrick has struggled to maintain discipline among his squad, dropping captain Bruno Fernandes after he criticised his manager’s tactics during a 4-1 thrashing at Champions League debutants Como.<\/p>\n
He also axed Lisandro Martinez after the United defender criticised the club’s hierarchy for their lack of top-quality signings.<\/p>\n
United fans have remained largely supportive of Carrick, focusing their anger on majority owners the Glazer family, Ratcliffe and the under-achieving players.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n