Report: Man Utd prepare Michael Carrick exit as replacement search begins

Carrick was rewarded with the permanent manager's job after an impressive interim spell last season, when he guided United to a third-place finish in the league.

However, his second campaign has taken a dramatic turn for the worse, with the Red Devils sitting 18th after collecting just eight points from their opening 10 matches. It is their worst start to a league season in 40 years.

Sunday's 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford further increased the pressure on Carrick. United looked vulnerable defensively but managed to rescue a point through late goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu.

According to The Athletic, United are considering dismissing Carrick before their Premier League trip to Liverpool at Anfield on 22 November.

The club's hierarchy have reportedly started identifying potential successors, with United States national team coach Mauricio Pochettino emerging as one of their leading candidates.

Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and ex-Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann are also believed to be under consideration.

However, any decision to remove Carrick would require approval from co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family, who remain United's majority owners.