Mauricio Pochettino is close to becoming the new Manchester United manager, with the club prepared to trigger a release clause in his contract with the USA national team. The move comes amid reported dressing room disharmony and a squad that continues to back outgoing boss Michael Carrick.
Pochettino closing in on United job
Pochettino, currently in charge of the USA national team, signed a new contract in the summer that includes a $10million (£7.5m) release clause, which United are ready to meet. The club are understood to have contacted the US Soccer Federation and are prepared to pay the compensation requirement.
The former Tottenham and Chelsea manager is being lined up as Carrick's replacement after results and performances cost Carrick his job, with United sitting in the relegation places in the Premier League table.
Dressing room tensions revealed
The Daily Mail reports that Youri Tielemans and Lisandro Martinez exchanged heated words on the return flight from Madrid after Martinez publicly criticised the United hierarchy. When questioned on camera about his teammate's remarks, Tielemans responded, "No comment."
These comments, along with subsequent dressing room confrontations, have exposed underlying tensions at United, manifesting in disappointing performances and results on the pitch.
Players back Carrick
Despite the turmoil, it appears the United dressing room continues to back Carrick. Sources close to the squad suggest the feeling is that Carrick has been 'hung out to dry' as the club attempts to secure Pochettino's appointment without formally dismissing him.
Carrick has maintained his usual routine at Carrington over the past two days, turning up at the training complex as normal early this morning, despite ongoing speculation surrounding his position. The draw against Aston Villa looks to have been his final game in charge.
Emery considered before Pochettino
Reports suggest several squad members had lobbied for Aston Villa boss Unai Emery to be appointed as Carrick's successor. The Spaniard was among a number of names floated when pressure initially began mounting on Carrick.
Emery was at Old Trafford with his Villa side on Sunday and made no attempt to conceal his frustration as he marched down the touchline following Patrick Dorgu's stoppage-time equaliser in the 4-4 draw. Villa were unlikely to release their manager without significant resistance, prompting United to pivot towards Pochettino instead.
His arrival at United may be postponed if Pochettino stays with the USA for their two fixtures during the international break, as the team face Haiti across two legs of their Concacaf Nations League quarter-final. His debut match in charge of United will take place on November 22, when the side travel to face rivals Liverpool at Anfield.
