Mauricio Pochettino is set to take over as Manchester United manager after Michael Carrick was sacked on Thursday. The Red Devils parted company with the former midfielder after a run of one win in 11 games in all competitions, with the club mired in the Premier League relegation zone and 17th in the Champions League table.
Pochettino identified as preferred candidate
Former Tottenham and Chelsea boss Pochettino has been sounded out as INEOS' preferred candidate, ahead of other potential options that were previously reported, like Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann. The Argentine is currently the head coach of the United States, but it was reported by BBC Sport that United were willing to trigger the £7million clause in his contract with US Soccer to bring him to Old Trafford.
It is believed that there is an agreement in principle between United and Pochettino for the 54-year-old to take over the reins from Carrick, but there has been no official indication as of yet.
Timing of appointment
BBC Sport claims that Pochettino is likely to take up his post by November 19 at the latest, but there remains a level of uncertainty as to whether he will manage the US' two matches against Panama in the current international break. The United hierarchy had identified this international window as a chance to assess Carrick's position as manager, and they pulled the trigger after days of leaked reporting claiming that the ex-England international was to be relieved of his duties following a crisis meeting in Monaco on Wednesday.
As such, it left the Red Devils with a decision to make, and it is understood that they are 'relaxed' over the possibility of Pochettino overseeing a last two matches with the US, who face Panama in a double-header.
First game in charge
United's first game back after the international break is a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool, which is expected to be their new boss' first game in charge.
