Mauricio Pochettino is closing in on a deal to become Manchester United's new head coach, with personal terms already agreed with the former Chelsea and Tottenham manager. Current boss Michael Carrick is in limbo as he awaits dismissal.
United still have to extract the Argentine from his contract with the US Soccer Federation and dismiss Carrick from his role. The contract was penned weeks after Pochettino hinted at his future plans during the World Cup.
Prophecy Made During World Cup
During the World Cup, Pochettino was conducting press duties with journalists when Manchester United came up in conversation. He quipped to his long-serving assistant Jesus Perez: "One day, your team comes true! You go to Manchester United."
Perez quickly replied: "United should have got you!" The topic passed by with Pochettino laughing "Future, future!". The comments referenced the multiple occasions United passed on Pochettino, with the Argentine unsuccessfully applying for the job in 2018 and 2022.
Long-Standing Partnership
Spaniard Perez has worked with Pochettino ever since the latter's first managerial role at Espanyol. Initially a fitness coach, Perez later took a more active role in Pochettino's coaching set-up at Southampton.
Pochettino has been open when discussing links to Manchester United previously, including during his spell as US national team boss. Earlier this year he told L'Equipe that he would be open to a return to the Premier League, despite being employed by the USMNT.
Compensation and Record
Manchester United will have to contend with compensation to bring Pochettino back to England. The quoted fee in Pochettino's contract with the USMNT is reportedly $10million (£7.4million), but that does not include any compensation for the Argentine's backroom staff, including Perez.
The former PSG manager has taken charge of 294 Premier League matches, his last top-flight game in England coming in Chelsea's 2-1 win over Bournemouth on the last day of the 2023/24 season.
