Manchester United are on the verge of agreeing a deal with Mauricio Pochettino to take over as head coach, with Michael Carrick's position at the club looking increasingly precarious.

Pochettino, currently in charge of the United States national team, is the preferred candidate to succeed Carrick if United's hierarchy pulls the trigger on a managerial change — a move described as likely. The club would need to pay approximately £7 million to release Pochettino from his recently signed contract with USA, though sources indicate that financial outlay is not expected to present an obstacle.

Carrick arrived at United's Carrington training base on Wednesday morning as the uncertainty over his future continued to grow. No formal decision has been reached regarding his dismissal.

Monaco summit to confirm next steps

United's chief executive officer Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are due to travel to Monaco on Wednesday to meet minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The gathering is expected to determine the direction the club takes regarding the managerial situation, following a difficult start to the season.

Pochettino is understood to be prepared to step in should United conclude that a change is necessary. The Argentine coach, who previously managed Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain among others, led USA through their latest international cycle before penning a fresh deal with the federation.

United have yet to make a definitive call on Carrick's future, but all indications suggest a parting of the ways is growing closer with each passing day.