Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle with Mauricio Pochettino to become their next head coach if the club decide to sack Michael Carrick.
According to Sky Sports, the agreement was reached earlier today, November 11, as Carrick continued his duties at the club’s Carrington training ground. However, United are still working on the remaining details with Pochettino’s representatives and negotiating with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) over his release from his current contract as head coach of the national team.
The Argentine’s contract reportedly includes a £7 million release clause, which is not expected to prevent United from completing the appointment. However, Pochettino is scheduled to lead the United States in two matches against Haiti on Saturday and Wednesday, meaning both parties must agree on the timing of his departure.
Naija News reports that Pochettino is understood to be willing to take charge at Old Trafford once the outstanding arrangements are completed, provided United decide to make a managerial change.
Meanwhile, United’s senior officials are expected to discuss Carrick’s future at a meeting in Monaco today. Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are scheduled to meet minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to assess the club’s poor start to the season.
United currently sit in the relegation zone after recording their worst start to a league campaign in 40 years. Berrada and Wilcox are expected to present their recommendation to Ratcliffe, who oversees the club’s football operations, before a final decision is made.
Carrick received a temporary reprieve following United’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League last month. However, pressure has continued to mount, with his position increasingly uncertain.
United have previously held discussions with Pochettino on three separate occasions and came close to appointing him, particularly in 2022, before opting for Erik ten Hag.
Former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is also known to admire the Argentine, having held lengthy conversations with him following matches between United and his former club, Tottenham Hotspur.
