Manchester United 'make Michael Carrick sack decision' after Aston Villa draw

Carrick expected to be sacked despite drawing with Aston Villa; change anticipated before Liverpool match on November 22.

Michael Carrick is expected to be relieved of his duties as Manchester United head coach, according to The Athletic. Despite ending a nine-game winless run with a Champions League victory over Roma and rescuing a point at home to Aston Villa—coming from two goals down twice—the results are not enough to save his job.

Man United have already begun work on identifying replacements, with an official announcement anticipated before the Premier League fixture against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22. The decision follows previous speculation about Carrick's future after defeats to Bournemouth (3-0) and Chelsea (2-0), though it was agreed he would manage the Roma and Aston Villa matches before a reassessment.

Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, both free agents after leaving Newcastle and the Germany national team respectively, are among the leading contenders. Mauricio Pochettino has also emerged as a front-runner despite recently signing a new contract with the USMNT, though he is known to be open to a Premier League return.