Manchester United will face a combined bill of just under £14 million as they move to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as Michael Carrick's successor, according to reports. The club dismissed Carrick on Thursday morning after a poor start to the season.
The 45-year-old becomes the latest manager to have tried and failed to restore United to glory since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement 13 years ago. In that time, the club has spent heavily on hiring and firing coaches in search of the right candidate.
Compensation and sacking costs
United are expected to pay approximately £7.4 million in compensation to the United States Soccer Federation to secure the 54-year-old Pochettino, who is under contract in the US until 2030. An additional £1.5 million is required to bring across his backroom staff.
Separately, the Telegraph reports that sacking Carrick and his team will cost the Reds roughly £5 million. These three arrangements together leave United with a bill of just south of £14 million.
According to ESPN, a tip-off from Pochettino's representatives made United aware of the clause initially.
Expected arrival at Carrington
The same outlet indicates United anticipate the new manager will arrive at Carrington on November 18. This schedule would allow him to oversee both fixtures of the United States' CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final tie against Haiti.
Pochettino signed a four-year contract extension after guiding the US to the World Cup round of 16, where they were eliminated by Belgium. He now appears set to leave less than 12 months into that new agreement.
Carrick's departure confirmed
United's pursuit of Pochettino follows Thursday's confirmation of Carrick's exit. The Englishman was summoned to Carrington to hear the news in person from club officials after senior figures met in Monaco the day before.
A club statement read: "Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men's first-team head coach. Michael rejoined the club in January and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season, accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period."
The statement continued: "After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions. Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered. The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible."
