CORNERFLICK
Manchester United are weighing up Mauricio Pochettino as a possible replacement for Michael Carrick after a miserable start to the Premier League season left the club 18th.
United under pressure
Carrick's side drew with Aston Villa in their last game before the international break, a result that stopped the defeat but did little to ease scrutiny on the manager. He has won only one of United's 10 league matches this season, and his future at Old Trafford is now in doubt.
Club figures including Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox have held urgent meetings to assess the situation, with the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's joint ownership facing questions over the club's recruitment and squad balance.
Why Pochettino has moved ahead
Pochettino now leads the list of candidates, according to English reports. He is currently head coach of the United States and his contract runs to 2030, but those reports say he is open to a return to the Premier League.
His spell at Tottenham from 2014 to 2019, along with a shorter stint at Chelsea, has made him a familiar name in English football. His high-pressing style and work with younger players are seen as a fit for United's current needs.
Other names in the frame
Eddie Howe's success at Newcastle and his Premier League experience keep him in the conversation, while Julian Nagelsmann has also been mentioned after leaving the Germany job, with his work at Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig adding to his profile.
Pochettino's long contract with the US federation and the need for a complex financial agreement could make a deal difficult. If Carrick goes, United will have to decide quickly whether to push for Pochettino or turn to a more available option.