Mauricio Pochettino is set to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract at Manchester United to succeed Michael Carrick as head coach.
United intend to cover the release clause in the Argentine’s United States contract — valued at approximately $10 million (£7.4m) — having selected him as their top candidate to take over from the departing boss. Although the agreement awaits finalization, with individuals familiar with the discussions requesting anonymity to safeguard professional ties, the 54-year-old is slated to ink a deal at Old Trafford running through 2029, provided that everything proceeds according to schedule.
Michael Carrick and his coaching staff were relieved of their duties on Thursday morning following a dismal start to the campaign. The former midfielder was only hired on a permanent basis back in May after taking over on an interim basis in January; his permanent tenure lasted just 16 games.
The club sits 18th and in the relegation zone after managing just one win in 10 Premier League matches this season. This run marks the club’s worst league start in 40 years, culminating in a dramatic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa last weekend that left the team with only eight points from a possible 30.
Despite the poor results, supporters often chose to back the former midfielder, frequently placing the blame at the feet of the players and the club’s hierarchy.
The club’s decision to appoint Carrick permanently was not taken lightly, and as late as April, bosses deliberated about his inclusion in promotional material for summer preseason games. After a run of 12 wins from 17 games to end the previous campaign, he was handed a two-year contract. However, the club’s hierarchy reportedly met in Monaco on Wednesday to finalize his departure.
An announcement regarding the new manager could come as soon as Friday. Fabrizio Romano confirmed on X that the deal is done, noting that the US Federation provided the green light and all terms were agreed upon on Wednesday.
Pochettino is slated to oversee the USMNT for the two Concacaf Nations League quarter-final matches versus Haiti this Saturday and Tuesday, prior to traveling to Manchester for United’s upcoming fixture versus Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
Pochettino returns to English football after previous spells with Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea before turning to the international game with the USMNT in September 2024. He is set to vacate his position with the U.S. following a tenure of slightly more than two years, having led the tournament co-hosts to the last-16 of a home World Cup this summer.
Before his management career, he was a player for Spanish side Espanyol, French giant Paris Saint-Germain, and the Argentina national team, including appearances at the 2002 World Cup.
Pochettino must attempt to stop the club's slide and address a dressing room in disarray. Reports indicated that the current culture around the club is so toxic that it is difficult for any head coach to succeed. The new manager will have a tough job trying to prove that wrong.
Earlier coverage: Manchester United Agrees Two-and-a-Half-Year Deal With Mauricio Pochettino
