A number of Manchester United players were hoping the club would appoint Unai Emery as their new head coach, according to a report.

United are expected to sack Michael Carrick following a dismal start to the season, according to GIVEMESPORT sources. Indeed, the Reds sit 18th in the Premier League table after winning just ONE of their opening 10 top-flight matches.

Carrick reported to training on Wednesday, but a decision has been made on his future with United expected to hold a meeting to inform the 45-year-old that he has been relieved of his duties.

With Carrick facing the axe, United are poised to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as his replacement. It's believed the Reds are now finalising a move for the United States national team manager with an agreement in principle reached on personal terms.

Pochettino's USMNT contract contains a £7.5million release clause, though his backroom staff are expected to increase the overall cost of hire. The Argentine's current deal is set to expire in 2030, after the next World Cup.

With most of United's first-team players out on international duty with their respective countries, the squad anticipates that Pochettino will be their new head coach when they return.

However, according to talkSPORT, some United players were hoping for the appointment of Aston Villa boss Emery instead.

Emery, who was in the dugout for Villa's dramatic 4-4 draw against Carrick's United on Sunday, is in talks with the Villans over a new and improved contract, having done a superb job in the West Midlands.

The Spaniard took charge of Villa back in October 2022, following the dismissal of Steven Gerrard, and has since spearheaded the club back to the Champions League twice in three years and guided them to their first trophy in 25 years.

As for Carrick, he is yet to be given any clarity over his future. United CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox recommended a change of manager during a meeting with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS in Monaco on Tuesday, but that decision hasn't been communicated to Carrick, who has been left in the dark.

United are on a run of just one win in 10 matches across all competitions, and that came in the 3-2 comeback success against Roma last Tuesday. Before that included damaging losses against Chelsea, Bournemouth and Como.

Should Pochettino be appointed, as expected, his first game in charge is set to be a daunting-looking trip to Anfield to face Liverpool after the November international break. That is followed by another away game, this time at Sporting CP in the Champions League.