Manchester United is finalizing a deal to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as its new manager as pressure mounts on Michael Carrick, according to reports from The Athletic. Carrick’s future hangs in the balance as the club sits in the relegation zone in the Premier League after managing just three wins in its first 15 matches.
The impending managerial change follows a dismal start to the season that has left United struggling near the foot of the table. The Telegraph reported that Carrick is expected to receive formal notification of his dismissal on Thursday.
“We are still working hard and fighting for the job,” Carrick said, as reported by Göteborgs-Posten.
Manchester United reaches verbal agreement with Pochettino
Discussions between Manchester United and Pochettino’s representatives progressed swiftly through the week. The Athletic reported that United spent Tuesday negotiating personal terms with the 54-year-old Argentine.
Transfer Fabrizio Romano told Expressen that the club has reached a verbal agreement with the former Tottenham and Chelsea boss. Talksport Alex Crook also reported that a preliminary agreement is in place regarding a shared future.
Securing Pochettino requires meeting financial obligations tied to his current role. He has served as head coach of the United States men’s national team since 2024 and remains under contract until 2030. Aftonbladet said that United must trigger a 10 million dollar buyout clause—equivalent to approximately 100 million Swedish kronor—to release him from his national team duties. Furthermore, United faces additional expenses to buy out Pochettino’s coaching staff.
United States national team cancels media activities
Logistical signs of an imminent announcement emerged midweek. Sky Sports reported that all of the United States national team’s media activities scheduled for Wednesday were abruptly cancelled.
The Athletic later reported that Manchester United made direct contact with the United States Soccer Federation as negotiations neared completion. Pochettino previously led Tottenham to the Champions League final in 2019 and has managed Paris Saint-Germain, Southampton, and Espanyol.
🚨 BREAKING: Manchester United have verbally agreed terms in principle with Mauricio Pochettino to become the new head coach. Negotiations ongoing with US Federation to move forward as $10m release clause is available to get Poch. Formal steps to follow — then here we go. pic.twitter.com/y5hqUVv699
Common Questions About the Transition
Why is Michael Carrick expected to leave Manchester United?
Carrick faces dismissal due to the club’s poor start to the Premier League season, which includes only three wins in 15 matches and a current position in the relegation zone.
How much will it cost to hire Mauricio Pochettino?
Manchester United must activate a 10 million dollar buyout clause in Pochettino’s contract with the United States Soccer Federation, alongside additional costs to acquire his coaching staff.
Manchester United are finalising a deal for Mauricio Pochettino to become their next head coach, if an ultimate decision is taken to relieve Michael Carrick of his duties. The Athletic reported on Monday that United were expected to let Carrick go, with his side in the Premier… pic.twitter.com/X3pRgFAkqW
When will a final decision be announced?
Reports from The Telegraph indicate that Carrick is expected to receive formal notice on Thursday.
More on Premier League
🚨 Man United finalising deal for Mauricio Pochettino if Michael Carrick is sacked – Man United are finalising a deal to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as head coach if Michael Carrick is sacked – United spent Tuesday agreeing personal terms with Pochettino's representatives, and… pic.twitter.com/AChElSA6h5
Worth a look