Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager, with reports indicating personal terms have been agreed with the current USMNT boss and a deal is being finalised.
United's decision comes after a difficult start to the season that has left the club 18th in the Premier League on eight points from 10 matches, sitting in the relegation zone. Carrick was given three games before the international break following a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, but a 2-0 loss to Chelsea, a 3-2 Champions League win over Roma and a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa did not change the outlook.
Club chiefs to decide Carrick's fate
A meeting of club chiefs on Wednesday is expected to determine Carrick's future, with reports suggesting he will be dismissed. Pochettino, who is contracted to the USMNT through to World Cup 2030, would require a compensation fee of £7.4million to be released from his role, and it is suggested US Soccer has not yet been contacted over the matter.
If Pochettino is appointed, his longtime assistant Jesus Perez is expected to be the first arrival, having followed the manager throughout his career at previous clubs including Tottenham and Chelsea.
Pochettino's promise to Perez
The pair have long held admiration for United, which became apparent when Pochettino spoke at World Cup 2026 this summer ahead of his US side's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to The Telegraph, he jokingly promised Perez: "One day, your dream comes true! You go to Manchester United!"
Perez responded, "United should have got you," before Pochettino replied: "Future! Future!" That lighthearted exchange could now become a reality, with Carrick destined for the sack and Pochettino a live frontrunner to replace him.
Compensation and backroom staff
Beyond the £7.4million fee for Pochettino, sourcing his longtime backroom staff would require several million dollars more in compensation. Pochettino guided the US to the round of 16 at this summer's World Cup, where they were defeated 4-1 by Belgium.
