Manchester United Reach Agreement for Pochettino if Carrick Departs, Reports The Guardian

Manchester United have reached a framework agreement for Mauricio Pochettino to become their new head coach should the club decide to sack Michael Carrick, according to reporting from The Guardian.

The club is currently in the Premier League relegation zone, sitting 18th after winning only one of their opening 10 league matches. While Carrick remains in his role and oversaw training on Wednesday, a final decision regarding his future is expected following a meeting between chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox, and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco.

United’s pursuit of the 54-year-old Argentinian comes after a disastrous start to the season that has left the club one point off the bottom of the table. Despite the team showing spirit in a recent 4-4 draw against Aston Villa and a 3-2 Champions League victory over Roma, the board remains concerned by a defensive record that has seen the team concede 19 goals in league play alone.

There is a growing sense among the playing squad that Carrick’s tenure is nearing its conclusion, with an expectation that the board will ratify his dismissal during a scheduled Wednesday meeting.

“I'm pretty clear where we need to go and how we need to get there,” head coach Michael Carrick said.

Pochettino Holds a Contract Until 2030 with a Release Clause

Pochettino is currently the head coach of the United States men’s national team and signed a contract extension in August that runs until 2030. GiveMeSport understands that his contract contains a release clause valued at $10 million, with additional compensation required to secure his coaching staff. This entourage includes his longtime assistant and confidant Jesús Pérez, who has worked alongside the manager for 16 years.

Talks are reportedly accelerating regarding his release from the U.S. Soccer Federation. The USMNT cancelled scheduled player media access on Wednesday, citing the observance of Veterans Day, which prevented the squad from addressing the reports surrounding their manager’s potential departure.

The timing is particularly awkward for the U.S. program, as the team is scheduled to play Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal matches against Haiti this Saturday in Miami and next Wednesday in Cincinnati.

The Search for a Tactical Shift

Pochettino has long been linked with the Manchester United vacancy, having previously been considered by the club’s hierarchy, including during the 2022 search that ultimately resulted in the hiring of Erik ten Hag.

“There is a fit with the people at the club too,” said Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, who said that Pochettino has maintained a long-standing appreciation for the club, famously watching their 1999 Champions League final victory from the stands. Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly backed the Argentine for the position in the past.

During his time at Southampton, he developed a teenage Luke Shaw, who remains on the United roster and could be a beneficiary of the manager’s return to the Premier League. Other players, such as Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, are viewed as individuals who could thrive in the Argentine’s tactical setup, which often transitions into a 3-2-5 when building from the back.

“He wants to work as the underdog. He is very good with players that are just underneath and want to improve and show how good they are,” former Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld told Sky Sports said.

Upcoming Fixtures

The uncertainty surrounding the managerial position comes at a critical juncture in the season. For the USMNT, the situation remains a major distraction, as the program faces the prospect of losing a coach who led them through a feel-good World Cup on home soil and was expected to oversee their long-term development through 2030.

Earlier coverage: Manchester United Moving Towards Sacking Michael Carrick