Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Mauricio Pochettino to become their next manager if the club decides to part ways with Michael Carrick.
The Argentine coach has emerged as the leading candidate to take charge at Old Trafford following Manchester United’s poor start to the 2026/27 season.
Reports from Sky Sports and The Guardian say talks between the club and Pochettino have reached an advanced stage, with a verbal agreement reportedly in place.
However, the appointment is still subject to United doing the final work needed after confirming the sacking of Michael Carrick.
United’s poor results placed Carrick under serious pressure leading to his sack, with the club sitting in 18th position in the Premier League after 10 matches.
Their difficult start has raised concerns among the club’s leadership, who decided it was time for them to move in another direction.
The recent 4-4 draw against Aston Villa has added to the pressure, especially as United continue to struggle for consistency.
The club’s management is reportedly looking at Pochettino as the man who can help turn things around.
Pochettino is not new to English football. He has previously managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea, giving him good knowledge of the Premier League.
His time at Tottenham remains one of the strongest parts of his managerial career despite not lifting a major title for the club.
He helped the London club become serious title contenders and guided them to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final, where they lost to Liverpool.
He also managed Paris Saint-Germain, winning the French Ligue 1 title in 2022, before taking charge of the United States national team in October 2024.
Pochettino recently signed a new contract with the United States that runs until 2030.
However, his agreement reportedly includes a release clause worth around £7 million, which Manchester United would need to pay to secure his services.
The amount could increase if he brings members of his coaching staff to Old Trafford.
United’s leadership, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, are involved in discussions about the club’s managerial situation.
Although Pochettino is reportedly ready to take the job, there are still some little details to iron out. Manchester United already made an official decision sacking Carrick today.
The club will also need to reach an agreement with the United States Soccer Federation over Pochettino’s release. If the move goes through, the Argentine will face a huge challenge at Old Trafford.
Manchester United need to improve their league position, restore confidence among the players and give supporters something to believe in again.
For now everyone will be waiting for an official announcement as Manchester United continue to work on bringing Pochettino back to English football.
