Manchester United are finalising an agreement with Mauricio Pochettino to become their next head coach if Michael Carrick is dismissed following the club’s disappointing start to the season.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager has emerged as United’s preferred candidate, with discussions over personal terms already taking place between the club and his representatives.
According to reports, United spent Tuesday negotiating the terms of a potential appointment, with no major disagreements expected. However, the club has yet to formally approach the United States Soccer Federation over his release.
Pochettino remains under contract with the USMNT until 2030, but his agreement reportedly includes a release clause worth approximately $10 million (£7.4 million), which United would need to activate to secure his services.
The Argentine is understood to be interested in taking charge at Old Trafford, having previously been considered for the position on several occasions.
Carrick’s future is expected to be discussed at a meeting in Monaco on Wednesday involving chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Berrada and Wilcox have travelled to Monaco for the scheduled discussions, with the club’s managerial situation expected to be a major issue.
The recommendation from United’s football leadership is reportedly expected to be the dismissal of Carrick after a difficult run of results.
United turn to long-term managerial target
Pochettino has been linked with the Manchester United job for several years and has previously held discussions with the club.
United first considered the Argentine after Jose Mourinho’s departure in 2018, before interviewing him again in 2022 while searching for a permanent successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
He was also among the names considered when Erik ten Hag was dismissed in 2024, but United eventually appointed Ruben Amorim.
The former Argentina international has remained on the club’s radar because of his Premier League experience and ability to develop young players.
Pochettino began his English managerial career at Southampton in January 2013 before joining Tottenham in 2014.
He spent five years at Spurs, establishing the club as a regular contender for the Premier League’s top positions and guiding them to the Champions League final in 2019.
He later managed Paris Saint-Germain, winning the Ligue 1 title during the 2021-22 campaign, before taking charge of Chelsea for the 2023-24 season.
The 54-year-old moved into international management in September 2024 after being appointed United States head coach.
He guided the World Cup co-hosts to the last 16 at the 2026 tournament, where they were eliminated following a 4-1 defeat to Belgium.
Carrick faces dismissal after poor Premier League start
Carrick’s position has become increasingly difficult after Manchester United managed just one victory in their opening 10 Premier League matches.
The club currently sit 18th in the standings, inside the relegation zone, marking their lowest position at this stage of a top-flight campaign since the 1986-87 season.
United have also managed only three victories in their last 15 matches across all competitions, leaving the hierarchy concerned about their direction.
Their recent 3-2 Champions League victory over Roma provided some encouragement, but it has not been enough to ease the pressure surrounding Carrick’s position.
The Englishman was still involved in training at Carrington on Tuesday as discussions over his future continued.
Pochettino’s potential departure creates problem for USA
A move to Manchester United would also leave the United States searching for a new head coach with important international fixtures approaching.
Pochettino’s side are preparing for a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Haiti, with matches scheduled during the November international break.
His departure could create an immediate problem for the federation, particularly if members of his coaching staff also follow him to Old Trafford.
However, the timing could allow the United States to begin a longer search for his replacement before their next major fixtures in March.
Pochettino has won 21 of his 35 matches in charge of the national team since his appointment in 2024.
Although he helped improve the team’s performances, his spell ended without a major trophy, and the disappointing World Cup exit against Belgium remained a significant setback.
For Manchester United, however, his Premier League experience, Champions League background and history of developing young players have made him the leading candidate to take over if Carrick leaves.
An agreement over personal terms appears close, but United must still resolve the contractual situation with US Soccer before Pochettino can officially take charge at Old Trafford.
