Tom is an experienced football journalist at Football FanCast with over five years of experience covering breaking news, opinion features and analysis across English football. His work spans the Premier League, EFL and non-league football, combining news reporting with in-depth features on the biggest stories in the game.  

Throughout his career, Tom has contributed to publications including The Non-League Paper, Crawley Observer, Sussex Express and The Redmen TV, producing news, features and exclusive interviews. He has also covered events including the National League South play-off final, Formula E's London E-Prix and matches involving Crawley Town and Brighton & Hove Albion's Under-21s.
 

At Football FanCast, Tom has interviewed prominent football figures including Ally McCoist, Philippe Senderos and Chris Waddle. His journalism combines a broad understanding of the game with an interest in exploring the issues affecting clubs, players and supporters at every level.

Michael Carrick has just stumbled to his feet in the 11th round of a fight which has already lasted too long. His cornermen, Patrick Dorgu and Joshua Zirkzee, are insisting that he can still turn this around.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, meanwhile, is refusing to throw in the towel. Up next, round 12 arrives at Anfield, where a knock-out blow surely awaits.

Even when Dorgu completed a stunning fightback against Aston Villa, there was no renewed hope. There was a sense, even from the technical area, that all the Dane's header did was delay the inevitable. Now, Manchester United must make a decision for the sake of their fighter.

Luckily, it looks as though it is heading that way. Mauricio Pochettino is one of a number of managers in the frame.

Why Mauricio Pochettino is Man Utd's top target

News emerged late on Monday evening that United were finally set to relieve Carrick of his duties after that frantic game against Aston Villa. About time, right?

So, who could replace him? Who is the man who will be fortunate or perhaps even unlucky enough to walk into the colosseum next? Unai Emery, the man who inflicted Carrick's final blow has been touted but he is allegedly set to sign a new deal at Villa Park.

They could also turn their attention to Antonio Conte. The rumour mill suggested a few weeks ago he had already held talks with the Old Trafford hierarchy.

There's a plus to hiring the Italian; he's a proven winner. Yet, there's some baggage attached here. Remember the way he left Tottenham? He publicly criticised the hierarchy. That feels like the last thing Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada need at a time of such toxicity.

Eddie Howe is another option and he would be keen on the role but that is hardly the awe-inspiring appointment fans are craving.

Thus, Pochettino may well tick the box. He looks like the current favourite and for good reason too. He took Spurs to new heights - a Champions League final - and has already proven to be a success in England, albeit the trophies have not yet been forthcoming on these shores.

His progressive football caught the eye when he was in charge of Southampton and then the job he performed in north London was remarkable, making the likes of Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen household names. He's a known commodity in English football and there certainly feels like there is less risk attached here. This is no Ruben Amorim or Carrick. Poch is well regarded.

Man Utd have a wildcard Pochettino alternative

A silver lining for the Red Devils is that the managerial market is more stacked than ever right now. It's why even Carrick will have been confused that he was still in a job.

Julian Nagelsmann has been another name threatening to steal the headlines. He's reportedly among Man United's preferred candidates, but they should take note of his failure with Germany at the 2026 World Cup. They cannot afford to go all in on another manager whose ideas may not match the current squad.

Instead of Nagelsmann, Pochettino and Co, they could turn to an experienced, proven winner Didier Deschamps.

Out of a job since leaving the France National Team, the 58-year-old should make a blockbuster return at Old Trafford, bringing with him the legacy of a World Cup winner.

The former France manager would be returning to club football for the first time since taking charge of Marseille from 2009 to 2012, but that should not stop INEOS from making their move.

Deschamps proved that he can balance a squad full of the world's best stars at France, picking between the likes of Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante and Antoine Griezmann during his time in charge of his country.

The veteran manager also proved that he can thrive in the face of high expectations. Time and time again, France were favourites to come out on top at major tournaments, including in 2018 when they secured glory. Those are expectations that not even Nagelsmann or Emery have dealt with yet.

Described as "one of the best coaches in history" in his homeland, Deschamps took on the project at France and secured success. Now, Man United should hand him the reins at Old Trafford as part of a long-term turnaround.