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Michael Carrick remains in limbo despite Manchester United laying the groundwork to bring in Mauricio Pochettino.

It's understood plans are afoot to recruit the Argentinian should the former Red Devils midfielder, as expected, be dismissed as head coach with the club in the relegation zone.

As he did on Wednesday, Carrick again reported to Carrington on Thursday but there remains no confirmation on the outcome of a meeting of United powerbrokers 800 miles away from Manchester in Monaco.

Director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada travelled to the principality to see co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, who took control of football operations and would sign off a change with the Glazers.

United sources were insistent at the start of the week that no decision had been made on Carrick's future, but it has emerged a framework is in place to bring in Pochettino should they wield the axe.

The ex-Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss is understood to be keen on a move to Old Trafford despite just three months ago signing a contract extension to remain as United States head coach until 2030.

US Soccer would be due compensation - with the release clause worth a reported $10m (€9m) - and is understood to be prepared for Pochettino's potential departure, with a succession plan ready to be activated.

The developments come as the US prepare for Nations League quarter-final fixtures against Haiti, with the head coach due to face the media at a Friday press conference nominally previewing the first leg.

Pochettino led training in Georgia on Wednesday but scheduled media availability with players was scrapped.

US Soccer confirmed it was cancelled in observance of Veterans Day, which removed the possibility of the squad being asked to comment on the news of their manager's potential exit.

Pochettino (above) has spoken to United about the job on several occasions down the years, including in 2022 when the club instead turned to Erik ten Hag.

The former Argentina international's appointment may prove inspired, but the way Carrick is being handled is causing anger externally and within some parts of the club.

It is understood United want to deliver any development to Carrick face to face having somewhat surprisingly decided to give him a chance to turn things around just over a fortnight ago.

Wilcox and Berrada debated his future after the calamitous 4-1 Champions League loss at Como was compounded by a timid 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.

Carrick's side subsequently lost 2-0 at Chelsea, where they were unable to take their chances and saw Lisandro Martinez sent off, before last Tuesday's thrilling 3-2 Champions League comeback win against Roma.

A scarcely believable 4-4 draw against Aston Villa followed on Sunday, after which the head coach stressed he would not walk away and was looking to the international break as usual.

"I'm pretty clear where we need to go and how we need to get there," Carrick said.

"Obviously some of the boys will be flying off around the world and different things, and the group will be split for 10 days or so.

"But as a normal international week is, you know, we'll have some training. We'll have one or two days off, but not too much. But we'll train, and we'll get ready for the next game."

United have just eight points from 10 matches and return to action with a Premier League trip to rivals Liverpool on 22 November.