Manchester United have dismissed manager Michael Carrick on Thursday after a prolonged winless run in the Premier League culminated in a 4-4 draw at home to Aston Villa over the weekend, leaving the club mired in the relegation zone.

The club have won only three of their 15 matches in all competitions under Carrick this season — including just one league victory, leaving them 18th on the table on eight points after 10 games, one point from the bottom.

Mauricio Pochettino, who has a R150 million release clause in the contract he signed with the USA after the FIFA World Cup, has been lined up as his replacement.

Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement in principle with Pochettino to take over as head coach.

Pochettino is earmarked for the job, although the Argentine is likely to remain in charge of the USA for their two games against Haiti during the current international break.

While United are keen to get Pochettino to Old Trafford as soon as possible, the club are understood to be mindful of his commitments to the USA.

United are still finalizing details with Pochettino’s camp and negotiate terms for his backroom staff.