Pochettino move to Manchester United edges closer as 24-hour talks begin

Manchester United have reached a preliminary verbal agreement with United States manager Mauricio Pochettino to become their next head coach, with discussions expected to accelerate over the next 24 hours.

Michael Carrick remains officially in charge after leading training on Wednesday, but the former midfielder is expected to leave his role before the end of the week. Pochettino is being lined up as his replacement, although he is likely to remain with the United States for their two matches against Haiti during the current international break, according to Sky Sports.

Manchester United are understood to be comfortable with that arrangement and want to respect Pochettino’s commitments to the United States while working to bring him to Old Trafford as quickly as possible.

The club are still finalising details with Pochettino’s representatives. Those discussions include a £7m release clause with the United States Soccer Federation, along with the terms of contracts for his coaching and support staff.

Most of Manchester United’s players are due back at the club by next Thursday, once the international break has ended. Their next Premier League fixture is away to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday 22 November, in the 11th round of matches.

Carrick’s position under pressure

Carrick was given time after Manchester United suffered a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth in the Premier League last month. However, momentum has now built behind a change in the dugout.

If appointed, Pochettino would become Manchester United’s eighth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired 13 years ago.

Chief executive Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox met co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco on Wednesday to review the club’s start to the current season.

The move would also end a decade of repeated links between Pochettino and Manchester United. The club have held talks with him on three separate occasions and came close to appointing him more than once, including in 2022, when they eventually chose Erik ten Hag.

Pochettino was pictured with Sir Alex Ferguson at a restaurant in May 2016, prompting speculation that the then-Tottenham manager could succeed Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford. Manchester United instead appointed Jose Mourinho.

The Argentine reportedly enjoys his role with the United States but feels the opportunity to manage Manchester United is one he cannot reject.

The 54-year-old is preparing for a return to the Premier League two years after being dismissed by Chelsea. Pochettino regards his time at Stamford Bridge as successful, although he ultimately concluded it was not the right fit for him.

Manchester United have admired him since his time at Tottenham and remained interested when it became clear his spell at Paris Saint-Germain was nearing its end. When the chance to return to the Premier League emerged, however, Pochettino chose London and signed for Chelsea.

The club’s interest resurfaced in 2023, when United, managed by Ten Hag, suffered a heavy defeat by Sevilla as Chelsea’s interest in Pochettino became public. Ten years after the first major links, Manchester United now have another opportunity to appoint him.