Manchester United are on the verge of confirming Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach, with the club targeting an announcement before their upcoming Premier League fixture against Liverpool. The appointment signals the immediate end of Michael Carrick’s interim tenure, as United’s hierarchy seeks a permanent solution to stabilize the squad. A critical decision-making summit is currently underway in Monaco, where club executives are finalizing the contractual details to ensure a swift transition that avoids further managerial uncertainty.
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The primary obstacle to immediate completion is not the salary, but the regulatory and financial negotiations with the United States Soccer Federation. Pochettino’s current contract with the USMNT runs through the 2030 World Cup, creating a complex timeline regarding his availability for the nation’s next two international matches. United must secure a release that satisfies US Soccer’s requirements, ensuring the Argentine can commit fully to Old Trafford without legal friction or scheduling conflicts that could impact his new role.
Financially, the transfer is structured as a straightforward compensation package rather than a traditional transfer fee. United are prepared to pay an initial $7m (£5.3m) to US Soccer, a sum dictated by the release clause in Pochettino’s existing agreement. However, the total cost will increase to accommodate the relocation of his trusted coaching staff, most notably long-time assistant Jesus Perez. Once these personnel and regulatory hurdles are cleared, Pochettino is expected to take charge immediately, aiming to inject tactical discipline into a squad that has struggled for consistency under recent temporary leadership.
Source: The Independent Sport
