Manchester United set to relieve Carrick of head coaching duties

Manchester United are preparing for life after Michael Carrick, with football journalist David Ornstein reporting that the club is set to relieve him of his duties.

After a dramatic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa, United have slipped into the Premier League relegation zone at the end of a Gameweek for the first time since 1986, with Carrick only managing one win from their 10 league matches this year.

While the club is yet to confirm any decision making, Ornstein revealed on Tuesday that the club has commenced work on potential replacements, with a change expected as early as their next Premier League fixture in 13 days' time.

It's not a decision that will come as much of a surprise; Carrick has been fighting an uphill battle since being rewarded with the permanent job.

A 2-0 loss to Hull City in Gameweek 1 immediately raised alarm bells, and despite responding with a resounding 5-2 win over Ipswich, Carrick has not managed a league win since.

The 45-year-old has remained confident in his side and his position despite a series of negative results.

“We haven't won enough games, but I expect to move forward and keep working on the things that we've been working on,” Carrick told Sky Sports.

“Showing a lot of the good (things) in the game today, tighten up on a few mistakes and win football matches.

“We're in November,” he added. “I don't like the situation where we are, I don't like the results that we've had, but we can definitely do something about it.”

Ornstein has reported that United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to figure highly as a potential candidate, alongside former Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe and former Bayern and Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann.