Mauricio Pochettino to make instant change to Man Utd manager's office after arriving

Mauricio Pochettino would insist upon a box of lemons being permitted in the Manchester United manager's office should he replace Michael Carrick as head coach, as he considers them capable of absorbing negative energy. The Argentine manager stands as bookmakers' leading contender to assume the role at Old Trafford if Sir Jim Ratcliffe chooses to implement a managerial change.

Carrick's position with the Reds remains uncertain following a dismal start to the new Premier League campaign which has seen United secure just eight points from their first 10 fixtures. They sit 18th in the league standings as a consequence of what represents their weakest start to a season in four decades.

Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada are scheduled to convene with Ratcliffe at a senior Ineos staff gathering in Monaco on Wednesday, where the director of sport and CEO are anticipated to propose moving forward without Carrick. Should United pursue that route, they will have the duration of the November international window to identify an appropriate replacement.

Pochettino is widely regarded as that individual, although securing the 54-year-old's appointment could prove an expensive undertaking. The former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Southampton manager is, at present, contracted to the United States national side until 2031.

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However, it is believed that Pochettino's contract features a release clause worth $10million (£7.44m). Factor in the projected £3m compensation that the club must provide Carrick upon his departure due to a one-year exit provision, and Ratcliffe's side will need to spend upwards of £10m on recruitment and dismissals.

Yet the board will also need to permit Pochettino to implement a minor adjustment to the manager's quarters in the shape of allowing him to maintain a box of lemons constantly. Reports indicate that the head coach holds the view that lemons absorb negative energy.

Discussing the peculiarity on the Overlap, Pochettino said: "First of all, you need to understand the nature. Nature is around us. If you are not connecting with nature, it's difficult. And I think, for me, 100 per cent. I really believe they have an effect in attracting the bad energy."

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The 43-year-old forms a key part of Vincent Kompany's backroom staff in Bavaria, having previously worked alongside Carrick at Middlesbrough. There is optimism that bolstering the coaching team could help reverse United's fortunes, particularly given the close working relationship that Danks and Carrick have developed.

Whether Ratcliffe will opt to sever ties with Carrick, or grant the Englishman additional opportunity to turn around results, remains uncertain. One alternative suggestion involves appointing Bayern Munich assistant, Aaron Danks.