Manchester United are set to spend around £14 million as they move to replace Michael Carrick with Mauricio Pochettino, who is in advanced talks to take over as head coach.
The club dismissed Carrick on Thursday, and Pochettino, currently in charge of the United States Men's National Team, has emerged as the preferred successor. According to reports, United are expected to pay roughly £7.5 million in compensation to the United States Soccer Federation to release the 54-year-old from his contract, with a further £1.5 million due to bring in his coaching staff. Sacking Carrick and his team is reported to cost around £5 million, bringing the total outlay to £14 million.
Pochettino's release clause and arrival timeline
ESPN reports that a leak from Pochettino's representatives alerted United to the release clause in his contract. The same outlet suggests United expect the new boss to arrive at Carrington on November 18, a timeframe that would allow him to take charge of both legs of the United States' CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final against Haiti.
Pochettino signed a four-year contract extension after leading the US to the World Cup round of 16, where they were beaten by Belgium. He now looks set to depart less than a year into that new deal.
Carrick's departure confirmed
United confirmed Carrick's departure on Thursday, with the 45-year-old told the news face-to-face at Carrington after club officials met in Monaco the previous day. A club statement said: "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."
Pochettino's record and upcoming fixtures
United are in the midst of a relegation battle, sitting one point from safety after winning just one of their first 10 league games. Pochettino has taken charge of 35 matches in his international role, winning 22, drawing one and losing 12. He has overseen four wins from four friendlies since the World Cup, with the US beating Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada on home soil.
The Argentine is anticipated to be in place at Old Trafford in time for a Premier League game away at Liverpool on November 22. A Champions League trip to Sporting CP follows three days later, while his first home game would come against Brentford at the end of the month.
