Manchester United reach provisional agreement with Mauricio Pochettino to replace Michael Carrick

Manchester United have reached a preliminary agreement with Mauricio Pochettino to become their new manager, with Michael Carrick expected to leave the club during the current international break.

Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that negotiations are continuing with the United States Soccer Federation, particularly over when Pochettino would be able to take charge at Old Trafford.

Pochettino is expected to remain in the dugout for the United States’ two international fixtures during the break. He could be on the bench against Haiti on Saturday and again on Wednesday before joining Manchester United, potentially in time for their Premier League meeting with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, 22 November 2026.

The 54-year-old Argentine has a contract with the United States but has a release clause worth more than 8m euros. Manchester United would be required to pay that amount to secure his services.

Carrick’s position has become increasingly uncertain after Manchester United managed only two wins in their past 10 Premier League matches. Their latest result was an eventful 4-4 draw with Aston Villa.

The former Manchester United midfielder took charge in January, succeeding Ruben Amorim, and was handed a two-year contract in May after guiding the team to third place and qualification for the Champions League. A sharp decline in results has since placed his future under serious doubt.

Carrick said after the draw with Aston Villa that he was not considering resigning, but reports indicate that the club want to appoint his successor before facing Liverpool.

Manchester United officials meet in Monaco

Senior Manchester United figures are due to meet in Monaco on Wednesday to decide Carrick’s future, while the manager continued to report for work despite the growing likelihood of his dismissal.

Chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox travelled to the south of France on Tuesday for a scheduled INEOS summit. They are expected to present their recommendation to Sir Jim Ratcliffe during Wednesday’s meeting.

Reports suggest Manchester United could announce Carrick’s dismissal on Wednesday, with the team’s alarming slide towards the Premier League relegation zone cited as the reason.

The Daily Mail reported that Carrick, who is 45, was seen giving photographers a thumbs-up as he arrived at the club’s Carrington training ground on Wednesday morning.

Manchester United’s leadership is understood to want to inform Carrick of the decision in person. That meeting could take place in the coming hours.