Mauricio Pochettino favourite to be next Man Utd manager as Michael Carrick sack decision looms

Another barmy game saw Man Utd twice come from two goals down to earn a remarkable 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday, but the point was not enough to guide the club out of the relegation zone ahead of the international break.

As was widely reported, Carrick was given a two-game reprieve following the defeat at Chelsea last weekend, and has come away with a win over Roma and a draw with Villa. Neither performance could be considered remotely promising, so the pressure remains on his head.

Pochettino has long been linked with the Old Trafford job, especially during his sucessful spell with Tottenham, which now ended seven years ago.

The Argentine recently signed a new contract to remain in charge of the USMNT, but is known to be open to a return to the Premier League.

The cheaper options of Howe and Nagelsmann may appeal more to Man Utd chiefs. Both are currently free agents after leaving Newcastle and the Germany national team respectively during the summer. Howe’s Premier League experience may be the deciding factor if a change is made.

According to reports, there is a difference of opinion in the Man Utd boardroom, with Howe the current preferred candidate of technical director James Wilcox, but Nagelsmann is highly regarded by Christopher Vivell, Man United’s head of recruitment.

Antonio Conte has made it clear that he would be interested in a return to English football, but Didier Deschamps, fresh from leaving the France national team setup, has reportedly dismissed an approach.

A new wildcard name in the frame is Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness, who his appointment would be considered another big gamble.

Next Manchester United manager odds

• Mauricio Pochettino: 5/2
• Eddie Howe: 3/1
• Julian Nagelsmann: 6/1
• Antonio Conte: 10/1
• Didier Deschamps: 10/1
• Unai Emery: 12/1
• Sebastian Hoeness: 25/1
• Fabian Hurzeler: 33/1