Manchester United are expected to sack Michael Carrick after a disastrous start to the new season.

Carrick is under intense pressure after Sunday’s thrilling 4-4 draw with Aston Villa ensured United went into the international break in the Premier League bottom three, having won only one of their first 10 league matches for the first time since 1973.

The i Paper had been told on Monday evening that Carrick was not under any immediate threat of being sacked, however it now appears the club have made up their minds.

The United hierarchy are yet to decide who will replace the former midfielder, although US national team coach Mauricio Pochettino and former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe are being considered.

It is understood that the club’s senior figures, namely chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, plan to utilise the time afforded them during the break to weigh up the other options.

Carrick appeared to be heading for the sack after United slumped to an embarrassing 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth two weeks ago, only to be granted a stay of execution.

Uncertainty over the viability of replacements and wanting to end the cycle of hiring and firing managers is understood to be the main reason Carrick is still in employment.

Performances have improved somewhat. United were unfortunate to lose 2-0 at Chelsea, before storming back to a 3-2 victory over Roma last week in the Champions League.

Trailing 2-0 to Villa inside four minutes on Sunday, with boos ringing around Old Trafford, and then 4-2 after half-time, Carrick again appeared to be a dead man walking, but two stoppage-time goals earned United a point that at least lifted them off second bottom.

Read more

There was much excitement among fans who want to see Carrick sacked after Pochettino rocketed up the betting charts to become favourite for the job on Monday.

However, the ex-Spurs and Chelsea boss is contracted to be the US coach for the next four years.