Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement in principle to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach once Michael Carrick is dismissed.
Executives Meet to Discuss Carrick's Departure
United sit in the relegation zone in 18th place with eight points from their opening ten Premier League matches. Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox travelled to Monaco to meet minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to review the team’s dismal start.
Carrick took training at the Carrington base with players not involved in international duty, but he is expected to be relieved of his duties before the end of the week.
The club’s hierarchy have reached a verbal agreement in principle with Pochettino to step into the dugout. United have previously held talks with the Argentine on three separate occasions, coming close to hiring him in 2022 before appointing Erik ten Hag.
U.S. Soccer Expects $10m Buyout Compensation
Pochettino is currently the head coach of the United States men’s national team, having signed a contract extension through the 2030 World Cup after leading the squad to the round of 16. U.S. Soccer would be entitled to compensation in the region of $10m to release him from his agreement. Additional funds would be required to bring his coaching staff, including long-time assistant Jesus Perez, to Manchester.
🚨 BREAKING: Manchester United are closing in on Mauricio Pochettino. His CV speaks for itself: 🏆 Ligue 1 🏆 Coupe de France 🏆 Trophée des Champions 🥈 UCL finalist (2019) 🥈 EPL runner-up (2016/17) 🇺🇸 Led the USMNT to the 2026 World Cup RO16. United fans must be proud of… pic.twitter.com/OAN5GYwiFg
— Post by @PitchsideWorld on X
The buyout clause in his national team contract stands at around $10million (£7.4m), an expense that is not expected to deter United. Pochettino has kept his current employers informed while his representatives finalize personal terms.
“Every time we sign a contract, it's to go to the last day of the contract,” Pochettino said.
The timing creates complications for the national team, which has scheduled Concacaf Nations League matches against Haiti. Unless an earlier release is negotiated, Pochettino could remain in charge of the United States for those fixtures.
Upcoming Fixtures for the New Manager
United have repeatedly utilized November international breaks to install new leadership, mirroring the appointment of Ruben Amorim. Regardless of who leads the team, the upcoming fixture list presents an immediate test.
- November 22: Away against Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League.
- November 25: Away against Sporting in Lisbon for the Champions League.
- November 28: Home against Brentford at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
Executives Evaluated Several Managers to Replace Carrick
Before settling on their preferred choice, club executives evaluated several alternatives to replace Carrick. The administrative shortlist included former Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea manager Pochettino alongside Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte. While those three alternatives were available without buyout hurdles, club chiefs ultimately pursued the former Paris Saint-Germain boss.
The 54-year-old manager shares a history with the club that stretches back through multiple managerial changes. Sir Alex Ferguson maintained a long-standing admiration for the tactician, holding lengthy conversations with him following matches against Tottenham. Mauricio Pochettino has previously been linked with Manchester United in the past.
Squad Fit and Tactical Adjustments
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has been highlighted for his press-resistant qualities and quick-passing style, which align with the intensity demanded by the former Spurs manager.
With Berrada and Wilcox spearheading the structural reset under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the leadership team aims to stabilize a campaign that has left the 20-time English champions struggling near the foot of the table.
Earlier coverage: Manchester United Reach Framework Agreement for Pochettino Pending Carrick Exit
