Carrick, 45, was pictured arriving at United's Carrington training base on Wednesday. He was confirmed as permanent head coach after a successful interim spell, but has since been judged out of his depth. His record as a player, his decency and his desire to turn the club around have made the handling of any sacking an uncomfortable episode.
Whether Carrick will be dismissed has not been settled. Sources expect clarity on Wednesday, after which the rest of the succession is expected to fall into place.
Once Carrick's future is clarified, sources have told BBC Sport that Pochettino wants the job. The 54-year-old is understood to see managing United as a serious opportunity and is expected to accept if an offer is made.
Gaps remain. With confidence growing over a succession plan, it is possible Pochettino would not take charge of the games still in front of the current staff. It would be naive, observers say, to think such a situation could be reached without earlier talks, in a market where agents push clients for posts and clubs test interest before deciding.
Pochettino moved into international football by taking the USA job in September 2024 and led the co-hosts to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. He has been described as single-minded, including in his response to criticism for not telephoning players left out of that World Cup squad.
He remains a popular figure at Tottenham, where he arrived from Southampton in May 2014. In no full campaign did he finish lower than fifth — that came in his first season — with second place in 2016-17 and third in 2015-16 and 2017-18. In 2018-19 he reached the Champions League final and the League Cup semi-finals.
He was at the stadium in 1999 when United won the Champions League. Immediate changes of manager are not new in English football: Mark Hughes was replaced at once by Roberto Mancini at Manchester City in 2009.
United's recent record of appointments, and a squad shaped by six managers, is the backdrop to the talks. Pochettino's competitive streak is cited by those who expect him to want the challenge if the appointment is confirmed.