Manchester United have agreed a deal to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach following the sacking of Michael Carrick, as reported by Sky Sports.
United are set to pay a $10million (£7.4m) buyout in the Argentine’s United States contract. They identified him as their preferred choice to replace the outgoing head coach, according to Yahoo Sports.
Pochettino is expected to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford. The deal has a £7m release clause in his USA contract.
Carrick leaves Old Trafford after a difficult run in the Premier League left the team in the relegation zone with just one win in 10 matches.
United won the FA Cup under Erik ten Hag by defeating Manchester City 2-1 in the final. That win led to a one-year contract extension for the manager in July 2024.
“After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions,” United said in an announcement released on Thursday morning.
Club chiefs ratified the decision following a meeting in Monaco where leadership discussed replacing the coach. Modern Ghana reported that Carrick and his coaching staff were relieved of their duties on Thursday morning.
His departure from the international role comes after taking charge of the USA in 2024. He guided the tournament co-hosts to the last-16 of a home World Cup in the summer.
Pochettino’s first match in the United dugout will be an away fixture against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22. A formal announcement is expected as soon as Friday once all final paperwork is completed.
“Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered,” the club said in their official statement.
Earlier coverage: Man United Sacks Michael Carrick, Pochettino Close to Appointment