Manchester United are finalising a deal to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their next manager if the club makes the “ultimate decision” to replace Michael Carrick, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic. talkSPORT reports that United have reached an agreement in principle with the 54-year-old, who currently coaches the United States men’s national team. No decision on Carrick has been announced, and United have not yet contacted US Soccer.
Pochettino to Manchester United has gone from speculation to a deal that is reportedly close, as United weigh whether to end Carrick’s spell as head coach after a poor start to the 2026-27 season. Here is what has been reported so far.
What Has Been Reported
Ornstein posted on X on Wednesday: “EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United finalising deal to appoint Mauricio Pochettino if ultimate decision made to replace Michael Carrick. 54yo lined up & terms being done with camp. #MUFC yet to contact US but straight-forward should plan proceed.”
The Athletic reports that United spent Tuesday discussing personal terms with Pochettino’s representatives and that no major issues are expected. talkSPORT then reported that United have “reached an agreement in principle” with the Argentine. It said the total package of compensation for Pochettino and his staff would be around $12 million (£9 million), with formal steps to follow.
Both reports carry an important caveat. United have not announced any change, and the appointment depends on the club first deciding to part ways with Carrick. It has been reported that Carrick has continued to take training at Carrington while that decision is pending, and the expectation is that he will be replaced.
Why United Are Weighing a Change
United have won only three of their 15 games in all competitions this season and sit in the lower reaches of the Premier League table. The international break has given the club’s decision-makers time to review the situation.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox have been involved in the discussions, and were reportedly due to meet co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco. talkSPORT also reported that some United players were hoping for Aston Villa manager Unai Emery to replace Carrick, though no talks with Emery have been reported.
The US Soccer Factor
Pochettino signed a contract extension with US Soccer in August 2026 that runs through the 2030 World Cup. The deal reportedly includes a release clause of around $10 million (£7.5 million), which United would need to pay, along with further compensation for members of his coaching staff.
United have not yet made formal contact with US Soccer, though Ornstein says the process would be straightforward if United proceed.
Who Would Join Pochettino at Old Trafford
TEAMtalk reports that Pochettino has made clear he would like four members of his backroom team to join him. They are long-standing assistant Jesus Perez, assistant coach Miguel “Miki” D’Agostino, goalkeeping coach Antonio “Toni” Jiménez and sports scientist Sebastiano Pochettino.
What Pochettino Brings
Pochettino has previously managed Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea and has a reputation for energetic, high-pressing football. He has been linked with the United job on multiple occasions. Ornstein, speaking on Talk of the Devils, said he has heard that Pochettino is “reinvigorated to an extent that he hasn’t been at for a long time,” adding: “You will see a different version of him now, that he has his energy restored.”
What Comes Next
United’s next Premier League match after the international break is a high-profile clash against Liverpool, reportedly on November 22. One report says Pochettino is expected to be in the dugout for that match, though he remains in charge of the USA national team at the time of writing. The situation is fluid, and this story will be updated as United confirm any decision.
