Manchester United are poised to finalize a deal for Mauricio Pochettino to become their next head coach, a move that effectively seals the fate of interim manager Michael Carrick. According to The Guardian, director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada are currently in Monaco to brief minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who controls the club’s sporting policy. The executives are expected to formally recommend Carrick’s removal, a decision that aligns with the growing consensus among United players that the Argentine is the preferred successor.
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Pochettino, currently serving as the US men’s national team head coach, is eager to return to club football and has already proven his pedigree in the Premier League with Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea. While his contract with the US Soccer Federation includes a release clause of approximately $10m (£7.5m), the total compensation package for United could rise significantly. This is largely due to the potential inclusion of his trusted staff, most notably longtime assistant Jesús Pérez, who has worked alongside Pochettino for 16 years.
The timing of the appointment is critical, as Pochettino is scheduled to lead the US in Concacaf Nations League matches against Haiti this weekend in Miami. United must navigate these international fixtures to secure his immediate availability, signaling a decisive shift in their managerial strategy. With Ratcliffe holding the final say, the club is moving swiftly to stabilize the dugout and implement a long-term vision, ending the uncertainty that has plagued the squad during the interim period.
Source: The Guardian Sport
