Michael Carrick has now been sacked by Manchester United, and all eyes are on Mauricio Pochettino as the likely replacement.

The news came on Thursday morning with Manchester United confirming Michael Carrick’s dismissal in what they described as an extremely difficult decision, which was ultimately agreed to be the right one.

When Manchester United are expected to announce Mauricio Pochettino

It is a badly kept secret that Pochettino will be the next permanent manager of Manchester United, with Mike Keegan tweeting to confirm that only a disaster would prevent it.

The deal is ‘virtually’ done for Pochettino to replace Carrick, with it now a matter of when, not if. The ‘when’ could even be as soon as tomorrow, with an announcement expected as the agreement is thought to be far on.

United would love to announce Pochettino as soon as possible to avoid there being a big gap in the head coach position, and for the decision makers to at least appear competent.

One issue yet to be solved is when Pochettino will actually arrive in Manchester, with the USA set to play two games against Haiti, first this Saturday, then next Wednesday. Will Ineos allow him to oversee these games when a trip to Anfield awaits United a week on Sunday?

• Haiti vs USA – Saturday, November 14th 9.30 pm GMT
• USA vs Haiti – Wednesday, November 18th, midnight GMT

If Pochettino was the right man, why wait until the international break only to not actually give him an international break worth of time to get the squad going? It makes no sense, but hopefully it is all sorted quickly.