Mauricio Pochettino, the frontrunner to replace Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager, was not as convincing as Thomas Tuchel or Roberto De Zerbi when he interviewed for the vacant role in 2024. The revelation adds uncertainty as the 54-year-old is heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in the coming days.
United parted ways with Carrick on Thursday morning after a poor start to the Premier League season. The club sit 18th in the standings, having won just one of their opening 10 fixtures.
Release clause and severance costs
Pochettino is under contract with the US national team until 2030, and his release clause is set at $10 million (£7.4m). Adding the estimated £3m severance package for Carrick, the Red Devils would again spend a significant portion of their budget on hiring and firing managers.
Reports suggest the club have reached an agreement in principle with Pochettino's camp. However, according to the i, insiders say both Tuchel and De Zerbi gave a better account of themselves during the 2024 interview process.
Previous interview and subsequent appointments
Pochettino interviewed for the position in the summer of 2024, when officials were considering cutting ties with Erik ten Hag after a season that saw United finish eighth. The club ultimately renewed faith in the Dutchman, but Pochettino was not their first-choice plan B.
When results did not improve, United brought in Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim in October. That appointment also proved unsuccessful, with Amorim dismissed just over a year later. Carrick stepped in on an interim basis, guiding United to a third-place finish before receiving a two-year deal this summer.
Pressure on Pochettino
Pochettino is now likely to get his chance at Old Trafford, with increased pressure to reverse fortunes immediately with an inherited group of players. United have shown they are not keen on spending big in the January transfer window, preferring to do business in the summer instead.
Whether those demands will suit Pochettino, who has proven he can compete with the best teams in the Premier League through previous stints with Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton, remains to be seen.
