MANCHESTER, Nov 11 — Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a deal to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their next manager, with Michael Carrick facing the sack after a disastrous start to the season left the Red Devils languishing in the Premier League relegation zone.
The former Tottenham and Chelsea boss has emerged as United’s leading candidate, with talks over personal terms progressing and a potential US$10 million (RM40.7 million) compensation bill standing between him and a sensational Old Trafford move.
According to The Athletic, United held discussions with Pochettino’s representatives on Tuesday, with no major obstacles expected to prevent an agreement.
The Evening Standard also reported that the Argentine is keen on taking the job, with sources indicating that the interest is mutual.
But prising the 54-year-old away from the United States national team will come at a hefty price.
Pochettino signed a contract extension in August tying him to US Soccer until 2030, with a release clause reportedly worth around US$10 million.
That figure could rise further if United also recruit his coaching staff, including long-time assistant Jesús Pérez.
United have yet to formally approach US Soccer over a potential deal.
Meanwhile, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox have travelled to Monaco for talks with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe over Carrick’s future.
The club’s hierarchy is expected to recommend a managerial change following a miserable run that has left United 18th in the Premier League.
The Red Devils have won just once in their opening 10 league matches, collecting eight points in their worst start to a top-flight campaign in four decades.
Sunday’s chaotic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa, in which United needed two stoppage-time goals to rescue a point, only intensified the pressure on Carrick.
United have also gone eight consecutive league games without a victory, leaving their former midfielder fighting to save his job.
Carrick, however, has insisted he expects to remain in charge despite the growing speculation.
Pochettino has been out of club management since leaving Chelsea in 2024, having previously guided Tottenham to the Champions League final in 2019.
He took charge of the United States later in 2024 but endured a disappointing last-16 exit at the 2026 World Cup before extending his contract.
United face bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield on November 22, giving the club’s hierarchy a crucial decision to make during the international break.
