Mauricio Pochettino has reached a verbal agreement in principle to become the next manager of Manchester United once Michael Carrick departs, according to reports from Olé.
The Argentine coach is currently leading the United States men’s national team and directed training on Wednesday, with his arrival in England anticipated following the ongoing international break, Olé reported. The prospective move would end Pochettino’s tenure with the USMNT after 35 matches and a run to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
Manchester United sits in 18th place in the Premier League table inside the relegation zone after winning just one of its first 10 domestic matches. The club’s struggles prompted internal discussions regarding the future of Carrick, whose departure is expected to be confirmed soon, according to reporting by Olé.
“Mauricio and me have a fantastic relationship,” said Harry Kane, speaking to Página|12 ahead of England’s fixture against Croatia. “It’s one of the managers that has had the most impact on my career. I needed his support and he helped me on and off the pitch, which was very good. He’s a fantastic manager.”
"Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to terms with Manchester United to become the successor to Michael Carrick."@tombogert gives the very latest from the Manchester United and USMNT camps as the Argentine closes in on a new chapter at Old Trafford 🚨 pic.twitter.com/99yrKt0B9U
Manchester United Faces $10 Million Release Clause for Pochettino
Securing Pochettino requires Manchester United to navigate a significant financial release clause in his contract with the United States federation. According to The Guardian via Olé, the buyout figure stands at approximately $10 million, though the total expenditure could rise depending on whether members of his current coaching staff make the move to Old Trafford.
Sporting director Jason Wilcox and club leadership are slated to discuss the transition with owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco, as Olé noted. United sporting operations have faced intense scrutiny following a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa and a poor start that leaves the club searching for stability.
Concacaf Nations League Commitments
Before transitioning to the Premier League, the USMNT plays two Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal legs against Haiti. The first match is scheduled for Saturday in Miami, followed by the return fixture on Tuesday in Cincinnati.
Si las negociaciones entre el Manchester United y Pochettino avanzan, el equipo estadounidense podría encarar estos partidos con un cuerpo técnico interino.
Premier League History Awaits
Should the appointment be finalized, Pochettino would embark on his tenth season managing in the English top flight. His prior Premier League experience includes two seasons at Southampton, six years with Tottenham Hotspur — highlighted by reaching the 2019 Champions League final — and a single campaign with Chelsea before his departure in 2023.
Manchester United returns to Premier League action on November 22 against Liverpool, followed by a UEFA Champions League fixture against Sporting CP on November 25.
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