The former Tottenham and Chelsea manager has emerged as United's leading candidate, with discussions already under way over a possible return to the Premier League. Pochettino is currently in charge of the United States national team but is understood to be keen on the opportunity at Old Trafford.
According to BBC Sport, Manchester United have opened talks with the Argentine about replacing Carrick, whose position is expected to be decided within the next 48 hours.
Pochettino is reportedly prepared to take the job if United make a formal offer, although he wants to handle the situation respectfully towards the US Soccer Federation before making any move.
The 54-year-old only signed a new contract with the United States in August. United would therefore have to pay a release fee of $10 million, approximately £7.5 million, to secure his services.
Reports from The Sun have added that intermediaries, including people who previously represented Pochettino, have approached United in an effort to facilitate a deal. The newspaper claims that several parties have been involved in discussions over his potential appointment.
No agreement has yet been officially confirmed, but the interest is serious and Pochettino is understood to view the opportunity as a major chance to return to English club football.
United's decision is closely tied to Carrick's future. Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox have travelled to Monaco to meet co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with the manager's position expected to be the principal issue discussed.
The BBC reports that Berrada and Wilcox are expected to recommend that Carrick leaves the club. The 45-year-old was pictured arriving at the Carrington training ground on Wednesday, where he continued his duties while awaiting a decision.
United's position in the Premier League has increased the pressure on the club's hierarchy. They are 18th after winning only one of their first 10 league matches and have not recorded a league victory since August. It is their lowest position at this stage of a top-flight season since 1986-87.
Pochettino has been a candidate for the United job on several previous occasions. The club spoke to him following José Mourinho's dismissal in 2018, again in 2022 before appointing Erik ten Hag, and once more when the Dutchman left in 2024.
His Premier League experience includes spells at Southampton and Tottenham. He joined Southampton in January 2013 before moving to Spurs in 2014, where he spent five years and led the club to the 2019 Champions League final.
He subsequently managed Paris Saint-Germain from 2021 to 2022 before taking charge of Chelsea for the 2023-24 season. Pochettino moved into international management in September 2024, accepting the United States role ahead of the country's co-hosting of the 2026 World Cup.
The timing of any appointment presents a significant complication. The United States are preparing for a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Haiti, with the first match scheduled for Saturday and the return fixture on Tuesday.
Pochettino is expected to attend a press conference on Friday, and it remains unclear whether he will remain in charge for both matches. The second leg would finish shortly before United's next major fixture, a Premier League meeting with Liverpool on November 22.
That schedule could leave little time for Pochettino to complete his departure from international football and take charge at Old Trafford, should an agreement be reached.
The Sun has also reported that Pochettino still owns a home in Hertfordshire from his time at Tottenham, while his previous spell at Chelsea means he has maintained connections with English football.
For United, the immediate priority is to resolve Carrick's future before moving forward with their managerial plans. For Pochettino, the prospect of taking charge of one of the country's biggest clubs appears to be an opportunity he is prepared to accept, provided the formal approach follows.