Manchester United are set to spend an additional £1.5m to bring Mauricio Pochettino's long-standing assistant Jesus Perez to Old Trafford, as the club's costly move for the new manager continues to mount.
The Red Devils announced the sacking of Michael Carrick on Thursday after a poor start to the season, which left the club in the relegation zone heading into the November international break.
Release Clause and Compensation Costs
ESPN report that United CEO Omar Berrada informed the US Soccer Federation of their intention to activate the £7.5m release clause in Pochettino's contract, which was included when he signed an extension following the World Cup in North America.
In addition, the club are reportedly paying around £5m in compensation to Carrick, making it an expensive international break for the 20-time champions.
Pochettino's First Matches
Pochettino's first assignment as United boss is an away trip to Liverpool, followed by a Champions League match against Sporting, and then his first home game at Old Trafford against Brentford.
Former United midfielder Paul Scholes expressed optimism about the appointment, telling The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast: "I actually think he is a brilliant appointment, could be perfect for Manchester United, but I just have that slight concern we are not getting his best years, which worries a little bit."
Scholes added: "The other thing he has to do (is) take full control of this football club now, almost in a way that Sir Alex Ferguson did. Forget Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada bringing in players in or the head of recruitment, whoever it is, he has got to have a massive say."
He concluded: "The only way I am coming to this football club is if I choose the players, I buy the players, and then you live by the sword, you die by the sword. That is it."
