Man United handed Unai Emery update as Michael Carrick sack decision looms

Emery will stay at Aston Villa on a new deal; Carrick faces dismissal this week with Pochettino emerging as the leading candidate to replace him.

Michael Carrick is expected to be sacked by Manchester United this week following a disastrous start to the season. United have won just one of their opening 10 Premier League matches and sit 18th, their worst start in 40 years. They also languish 17th in the Champions League after four games.

Unai Emery had been linked with the Old Trafford job, but the Aston Villa manager will instead sign a new contract extension with the Midlands club. Villa chairman Nassef Sawiris is in ongoing talks with Emery about extending his stay. Emery has thrived at Villa since 2022, securing top-six finishes and winning the Europa League last season.

With Emery off the table, Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Carrick. However, luring the Argentina national team coach away will be costly: United would need to pay his $10m (£7.4m) release clause plus around £3m in severance to Carrick, totalling over £10m before negotiating Pochettino's salary.

Other candidates linked include Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann. United have until 22 November before their next competitive fixture against Liverpool.