Manchester United are set to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their next manager after sacking Michael Carrick.

The Red Devils have had a poor campaign so far and sit in the relegation zone in the Premier League following their worst ever start to a season, with Carrick having led the team to just one win in their opening ten games.

54-year-old Pochettino has been identified as the man to take over, with Man Utd agreeing terms with him to become their next manager, and talks almost finalised with US Soccer to trigger the $12m (£9m) release clauses to bring him and his staff to Old Trafford.

Pochettino's first game in charge will come against Liverpool at Anfield on 22nd November, just days after he is expected to lead the USMNT in their double-header against Haiti before departing, and he will have limited time to work with his new squad before having to select his team.

However, the Argentine will have around six weeks to work with the players and figure out who fits into his plans and what areas of the squad need strengthening ahead of the January transfer window.

United are expected to be in the market for a left-back and a forward at the very least following their shortcomings in the summer transfer window, and Fabrizio Romano has now revealed in his latest YouTube video that Pochettino is set to be heavily involved in the recruitmen during the winter window.

"But then in the first meetings they will have with the club, they will discuss, and that's something they already mentioned in the first contacts had between Pochettino and United," he said.

"They already said very soon we will have specific meetings regarding the January transfer window. Pochettino is a manager who loves to be involved in the transfer strategy. He's not the kind of manager who says, 'Okay, give me the players, I will take care of them.'

"Pochettino is very good also at taking care of what he has. We have to be honest; he's a coach that, especially Tottenham, showed that he can do very good things with players that are not constantly changing. But at the same time, Pochettino likes to be involved. Pochettino likes to have his say, and in this case, I expect Pochettino to be involved at Man United because they need to change.

"Already in January, they need to do something. Could be two, could be three, could be one. I don't know. We will see. But United will sign players in January. I can guarantee that because that's part of the strategy at the club, regardless of who's going to be the coach."

Man Utd Contract Decisions Must Be Made

While new arrivals have been 'guaranteed' by Romano during the winter window, United must also start to think about making decisions on the futures of players who are already in the squad.

Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, and Bruno Fernandes are all out of contract at the end of the season, with the left-back the only one who doesn't have a club option in his deal for an extra 12 months. But the chances of them all staying beyond this campaign are slim to none, and if Pochettino isn't keen on any of them, then January could be a good chance to move them on and bring in some funds.

Squad planning is an essential part of the success at football clubs, and INEOS have failed miserably so far since taking over footballing control. Pochettino's arrival, and his inclusion in talks about recruitment, are potentially a chance to get back on track, but they must be ruthless as soon as possible.