Manchester United are in a crisis, and the board look set to make the decision that a change is necessary.

United sit 18th in the Premier League with just one win in 10 Premier League games so far this season, while they have won just 3 of 14 in all competitions under Carrick, and GIVEMESPORT sources understand that the iconic former midfielder is set to be relieved of his duties at Old Trafford as a result.

Speculation has been rife for several weeks about his future, and who could potentially replace him, and it has now emerged that USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino is currently a leading candidate for the role.

The Argentine has got plenty of Premier League and Champions League experience, having managed Southampton, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea before taking up his role as boss of the United States, where he led the team to the Last 16 at the 2026 World Cup, before being rewarded with a new four-year deal.

But that contract is understood to have a $10m (£7.4m) release clause, which could open the door for him to return to England once again, and finally get the Man Utd job he has been pining for since 2019.

His arrival would be a mark of intent from INEOS, and potentially a final roll of the dice for board members like Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, who have so far failed to live up to their reputation of being 'best in class' since being brought in.

However, on the pitch, his appointment could also be a saving grace for some players or a dagger in the heart for others, who may not fit in with his style of play or how he sees football.

One player who could potentially be handed a reprieve at Old Trafford under the 54-year-old is his fellow countryman, Lisandro Martinez, who has been strongly linked with an exit away from the club in 2027.

The central defender has been in terrible form in recent weeks, having been at fault for a number of goals, before a ridiculous red card against Chelsea led to the team's collapse in a 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. But more than that was his public outburst against the club hierarchy, where he admitted to feeling let down by the summer business and the strength of the squad. He has been labelled as being part of a 'toxic' culture at the club by pundit Adam Joseph.

Pochettino Will Rely on Martinez Quality

Martinez is out of contract at Man Utd at the end of the season, and while the club have the option to extend by a further 12 months, reports have suggested they will not be looking to trigger that.

But with Pochettino being a manager who likes to dominate possession and build up from the back, the quality that Martinez has and his leadership qualities will likely be huge for the coach when it comes to implementing his style in the short-term.

Martinez had been a firm fan favourite until this season, and should he be able to string together a run of top performances and United start to turn the season around, he would likely be back in the good books quickly. That could force INEOS' hand when it comes to his contract situation, and could also convince the player that he is at the right club after all.

With funds understood to be limited, finding a replacement immediately for Martinez will be difficult. Pochettino won't want to be handicapped anymore if he is stepping in mid-season, and that could be the perfect remedy for a reprieve.