New: Man United Move to Hire Pochettino as Carrick Exit Nears

Manchester United are working on a deal to make Mauricio Pochettino their next manager, with Michael Carrick set to be sacked after a dismal start to the season, the Mirror reported.

United executives Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox were due to fly to Monaco to meet Sir Jim Ratcliffe on Wednesday (Nov 11), when Carrick’s fate is expected to be sealed, according to the paper. United are 18th in the Premier League.

Pochettino the frontrunner

Berrada and Wilcox have been weighing replacements since last month and chose to wait until the international break to decide, the Mirror said. Former Tottenham boss Pochettino is among the top candidates, along with former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.

The 54-year-old Argentine has been linked with United before and is understood to be very keen on the job. He is currently in charge of the United States national team, having signed a new contract in August after the World Cup.

Citing The Athletic, the Mirror said United began working on a deal on Tuesday (Nov 10) and that personal terms are not expected to be a problem. The People’s Person also said The Athletic’s David Ornstein had reported that United were finalising a deal, but added: “Nothing is done yet.” It said Carrick was still overseeing training at Carrington on Wednesday morning.

Release clause and players’ views

Pochettino’s US contract reportedly contains a US$10 million (about £7.5 million) release clause, with the cost of his backroom staff expected to push the bill higher, talkSPORT reported, according to The People’s Person.

The same report said some United players had been hoping the club would appoint Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, who is in talks with Villa over a contract extension. With most senior players away on international duty, the squad expects Pochettino to be in charge when they return, talkSPORT said.

United have not made any official announcement.

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