The appointment of Pochettino at Manchester United is becoming an increasingly realistic possibility, with the Argentine reportedly ready to accept an offer to become the club’s next head coach. United have opened talks with the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager as Michael Carrick edges closer to an expected departure from Old Trafford.
According to BBC Sport, Carrick is expected to be relieved of his duties within the next 48 hours. Once his future is settled, Pochettino is understood to be keen on taking charge of the struggling Premier League side, viewing the opportunity as a serious step in his managerial career.
However, the move will require an agreement with the United States Soccer Federation, where Pochettino is currently employed as national team manager. US Soccer officials are expecting an official approach from United and have reportedly prepared a contingency plan in case their manager leaves.
Appointment of Pochettino Gathers Momentum at Old Trafford
The 54-year-old is reportedly willing to take the Manchester United job if a formal offer arrives. Nevertheless, he wants to remain respectful towards US Soccer and will wait for the club to make its approach to the federation before taking further steps.
This is not the first time United have considered Pochettino. The club held discussions with the former Argentina defender on three previous occasions: following Jose Mourinho’s dismissal in 2018, before appointing Erik ten Hag in 2022, and again after the Dutchman’s departure in 2024.
Pochettino’s experience in English football makes him a familiar candidate. He began his Premier League managerial career at Southampton in January 2013 before joining Tottenham in 2014. His five-year spell in north London included a Champions League final appearance, although he ultimately left without winning a major trophy with the club.
He later managed Paris Saint-Germain from January 2021 to July 2022 before spending the 2023-24 season at Chelsea. In September 2024, he moved into international management, taking charge of the United States and leading the World Cup co-hosts to the last 16 of the 2026 tournament.
Dismissal of Carrick Expected as United Board Meets
Before the appointment of Pochettino can move forward, Manchester United must decide Carrick’s future. A meeting in Monaco on Wednesday is expected to determine whether the current head coach will remain in charge.
Chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe are expected to attend. Berrada and Wilcox travelled to Monaco for one of their regular meetings on the club’s football strategy, but Carrick’s position is expected to be the main issue under discussion.
BBC Sport reports that the recommendation from Berrada and Wilcox is expected to be for Carrick to leave.
The 45-year-old was pictured arriving at United’s Carrington training ground on Wednesday, even as uncertainty continued to surround his position. His situation has become increasingly difficult following the club’s poor start to the Premier League campaign.
United currently sit 18th in the table, inside the relegation zone, having won just one of their first 10 matches. They have also failed to record a victory since August. It is the club’s lowest position at this stage of a top-flight season since the 1986-87 campaign, when they occupied 20th place.
United Face $10m Release Fee for Pochettino
Although Pochettino is reportedly ready to accept the job, United will have to negotiate his departure from the United States national team. The Argentine signed a contract with US Soccer in August, and the club would reportedly need to pay $10m (£7.5m) to release him.
The United States have a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Haiti over the next week. However, confidence in the federation’s succession plan has raised the possibility that Pochettino may not take charge of those fixtures.
US Soccer also cancelled planned media activities with players on Thursday, citing a clash with Veterans Day. Some reports, however, suggested the decision was intended to prevent questions about the manager’s future.
According to BBC Sport’s chief football news reporter Simon Stone, one source has indicated that the terms for Pochettino’s move to United are more or less agreed. If the club decides to proceed, it could also determine whether he remains with the United States for the Haiti matches.
That decision could create a tight schedule. If Pochettino takes charge of the national team, he would face a quick turnaround from a Tuesday night fixture, which finishes in the early hours of Wednesday, to preparations at Carrington ahead of United’s meeting with Liverpool at Anfield on 22 November.
Pochettino Could Inherit a Club in Crisis
Manchester United’s discussions with Pochettino before officially deciding Carrick’s future may appear unusual, but such arrangements are not uncommon in football. Simon Stone recalled that Jose Mourinho had agreed a contract with United in 2016 before Louis van Gaal was dismissed. At Manchester City, Roberto Mancini also replaced Mark Hughes in 2009 following discussions that took place before Hughes’ departure.
For United, the immediate priority is to settle the dismissal of Carrick and decide how quickly a replacement can be appointed. The club cannot afford further uncertainty with its league position already a major concern.
Pochettino’s Premier League experience could make him an attractive choice, but he would inherit a team in desperate need of improved results. Although the appointment of Pochettino appears to be gathering pace, no final agreement has been announced.
Wednesday’s meeting in Monaco could therefore prove decisive, not only for Carrick’s future but also for the direction Manchester United take next.
