Mauricio Pochettino is prepared to accept an offer to become the next head coach of Manchester United. United have opened discussions with the Argentine coach regarding a potential move to replace Michael Carrick, who is expected to lose his position within 48 hours.
Talks and US Soccer Plans
Once Carrick’s situation is officially resolved, sources told BBC Sport that the current USA manager wants to assume the role at Old Trafford. US Soccer officials anticipate a formal approach from United, and sources informed BBC Sport that the federation has a succession plan ready for his potential departure. Pochettino, 54, intends to maintain respect for the US Soccer Federation and will wait for United to make their move.
To release Pochettino from the contract he signed in August, the Red Devils would need to pay $10m (£7.5m). The USA national team faces a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Haiti over the coming week. With a contingency plan already in place, uncertainty surrounds whether Pochettino will manage the squad for those fixtures. US Soccer cancelled planned player media sessions on Thursday, citing a clash with Veterans Day, though some reports suggested the move aimed to prevent questions about their manager’s future.
Managerial History and Upcoming Decision
Pochettino views the opportunity to manage United as a serious prospect and is expected to accept if a formal offer is presented. United previously spoke with the former Argentina defender about the managerial vacancy on three other occasions: when Jose Mourinho was dismissed in 2018, in 2022 before appointing Erik ten Hag, and following the Dutchman’s departure in 2024.
Carrick’s future at the club will be determined during a meeting in Monaco on Wednesday involving chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox, and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Berrada and Wilcox traveled to Monaco for a scheduled strategy session, with Carrick’s future serving as the primary agenda item. Berrada and Wilcox are expected to recommend dismissing the head coach.
Carrick, 45, arrived at the Carrington training facility on Wednesday. Manchester United currently sit 18th in the Premier League table inside the relegation zone, having secured only one victory in their opening 10 matches and none since August. This marks the club’s lowest league placement at this stage of a top-flight campaign since the 1986-87 season, when they stood 20th.
Career Background
Pochettino began his managerial career in the Premier League with Southampton in January 2013, followed by a five-year tenure at Tottenham starting in 2014 that featured a Champions League final appearance. He managed Paris St-Germain from January 2021 until July 2022 before taking charge of Chelsea for the 2023-24 campaign. He transitioned to international management by accepting the USA position in September 2024, guiding the co-hosts to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
While discussing a potential manager before parting ways with the current incumbent can appear unorthodox, such situations occur regularly in football. Jose Mourinho agreed to a contract with United in 2016 before Louis van Gaal was dismissed, and Mark Hughes was replaced immediately by Roberto Mancini at Manchester City in 2009. A source told BBC Sport that the terms for Pochettino to join United are largely finalized, and if the club chooses to proceed, they will decide whether the former Spurs and Chelsea manager stays with the USA team for the upcoming matches against Haiti before United’s game against Liverpool at Anfield on 22 November.
