Manchester United are expected to sack Michael Carrick this week - although the Englishman has been taking training as he waits for the axe to fall

Michael Carrick is reportedly growing frustrated at being kept waiting for a decision on his future at Manchester United. The 45-year-old is expected to be formally dismissed this week, with United lining up Mauricio Pochettino as his successor.

News of United's intention to part company with Carrick first emerged on Monday. However, the former Red Devils midfielder is still waiting to be handed his P45 and has continued to oversee training.

According to The Telegraph, Carrick is "resigned to his fate" and has become increasingly irritated by the club's delay in making a formal announcement. It might not be until Thursday that he's informed face-to-face of his sacking.

Carrick took charge of training at United's Carrington base on Tuesday, working with those members of the squad not away on international duty, including Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Matthijs de Ligt. The 45-year-old was also pictured arriving at the training ground on Wednesday morning and, for now, is expected to remain in charge of sessions.

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Carrick's sacking is understood to be awaiting final approval following a board meeting in Monaco on Wednesday involving United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. Berrada and Wilcox reportedly held talks on Monday, when they concluded that a change in the dugout was necessary.

United have maintained that no decision has been made on Carrick's future. However, reports suggest the club want a new head coach in place before their trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on November 22.

Former Tottenham and Chelsea boss Pochettino has emerged as the leading contender to take charge at Old Trafford, and a deal to appoint him is reportedly being finalised. The Argentine, who is currently managing the United States national team, is keen on the job.

Pochettino signed a contract extension with the USA in August, committing himself to the role until the 2030 World Cup. However, the agreement is understood to contain clauses allowing the 54-year-old to leave for a leading European club if compensation of just under $10million (£7.44m) is paid.

It isn't the first time Pochettino has been in the frame for the United job. He was first linked with a move to Old Trafford in 2016, when he was considered a potential successor to Louis van Gaal. Speculation intensified after he was pictured having lunch with Sir Alex Ferguson, but United eventually turned to Jose Mourinho instead.

Mourinho's departure in December 2018 brought Pochettino back into contention. However, United opted to appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as caretaker manager, with the Norwegian handed the job permanently the following March.

The Argentine's name resurfaced when Solskjaer was dismissed in November 2021. Pochettino was then in charge of Paris Saint-Germain and was reportedly keen to return to the Premier League. However, United turned to Ralf Rangnick on an interim basis before eventually appointing Erik ten Hag as their permanent successor to Solskjaer.

Another managerial vacancy at Old Trafford in 2024 saw Pochettino's name enter the conversation once more. Having left Chelsea by mutual consent, he was among the candidates considered as United weighed up Ten Hag's position following an eighth-place Premier League finish.

Once again, however, United decided against making a move for the Argentine and stuck with Ten Hag. By the time the Dutchman was eventually sacked a few months later, Pochettino had already embarked on a new challenge, taking charge Stateside.

A return to club management would therefore represent another significant turning point in Pochettino's career, with the chance to finally take the reins at Old Trafford, after years of near-misses, potentially within reach.