Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement in principle with Mauricio Pochettino to take over as head coach if the club decides to part ways with Michael Carrick.

Pochettino, who currently manages the United States national team, is expected to replace Carrick, whose position has come under increasing pressure following the club's disappointing start to the season.

Carrick remains officially in charge and conducted training on Wednesday, but he is expected to leave his position before the end of the week.

Manchester United are understood to be comfortable with Pochettino completing his commitments with the United States during the ongoing international break before taking charge at Old Trafford.

The club is also finalising financial arrangements with the United States Soccer Federation, including a reported £7 million buyout clause in the Argentine's contract, as well as terms for his backroom staff.

United chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox met minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco on Wednesday to review the team's performances and determine the next steps regarding Carrick's future.

The meeting followed growing concerns over United's poor league form, with the club languishing in the relegation zone after recording its worst start to a league campaign in 40 years.

Carrick had previously received additional time to improve results following a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth last month, but pressure on his position has continued to mount.

Pochettino is expected to become Manchester United's eighth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

The 54-year-old has previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, guiding Tottenham to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final.

He also led Paris Saint-Germain to the French league title before taking charge of Chelsea, where he spent one season.

Meanwhile, United are keen to have their managerial situation resolved before their Premier League trip to Liverpool on November 22.

The agreement with Pochettino represents another development in the club's longstanding interest in appointing the Argentine, having previously considered him for the managerial position on several occasions.