Manchester United are reportedly preparing to dismiss head coach Michael Carrick before their Premier League clash at Anfield against Liverpool in 13 days' time, according to a report by The Athletic. The club, currently mired in the relegation zone, has already begun work on identifying potential replacements, the report said.

United's Perilous League Position

The crisis at Old Trafford deepened after Nottingham Forest's 3-1 win over Manchester City last Saturday dropped United into the bottom three. A dramatic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday left United just one point above bottom club Crystal Palace in 18th place, having won only one of their opening 10 Premier League games this season. The team was also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton & Hove Albion.

What The Athletic Reported

While the club continues to maintain publicly that no final decision has been reached, The Athletic reported that 'work has been undertaken on potential replacements.' The report added that the final call on Carrick's future will require approval from co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club's majority owners, the Glazer family. A managerial change is reportedly expected before the trip to Anfield.

Who Could Replace Carrick

United States national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly expected to figure highly among the candidates. Pochettino signed a contract extension with the US Soccer Federation in August, but that deal is reportedly thought to contain clauses permitting him to leave for specific high-profile club roles. Former Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe and ex-Germany national team manager Julian Nagelsmann are also reportedly in contention.

Carrick's Record at United

Carrick was appointed Manchester United's permanent head coach on a two-year contract in May, following a successful stint in interim charge after his return to the club in January. Under his stewardship, United secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League, registering 11 wins from 16 games and accumulating what was reportedly the highest points tally in the Premier League during that period. That momentum, however, has stalled sharply in the current campaign.

What Happens Next

All eyes are on the club's hierarchy — particularly Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family — to sanction a decision before the high-stakes fixture at Liverpool. The choice of replacement could signal whether United are opting for an experienced Premier League hand or a tactically ambitious continental appointment as they attempt to arrest their alarming slide.