Pochettino Ready to Accept Manchester United Offer as Carrick Exit Nears

Mauricio Pochettino is ready to accept an offer from Manchester United to become their next head coach, with Michael Carrick’s future at Old Trafford expected to be settled within the next 48 hours.

United have opened talks with the Argentine over replacing Carrick, and reports on Wednesday said the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager is keen to take charge once the position is confirmed. The Pochettino Manchester United move would bring one of the Premier League’s most experienced managers back to England after more than two years away from club football.

FAKTA

• Reported development: Mauricio Pochettino is ready to accept an offer from Manchester United to become their next head coach.
• Current head coach: Michael Carrick, 45, whose future is to be decided at a meeting in Monaco on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.
• Pochettino, 54: head coach of the United States since September 2024, with a contract running to the 2030 World Cup and a reported $10 million release clause.
• United’s league position: 18th in the Premier League, with eight points from 10 games and one win in 10.
• Next match: Liverpool away on Sunday, 22 November 2026.

Pochettino Manchester United talks move quickly

Talks between United and Pochettino’s camp have advanced rapidly this week. Sky Sports reported on Wednesday morning that the two sides are close to agreeing a conditional deal, while The Athletic reported that United are finalising an agreement and that personal terms are being discussed with his representatives.

United have not yet made a formal approach to US Soccer, and Pochettino is understood to want the process handled respectfully while he remains in charge of the United States team. He is preparing his side for a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Haiti, with the matches on 14 and 17 November, and is due to speak to reporters at his regular pre-match press conference on Friday.

To appoint him, United would have to pay around $10 million, about £7.5 million, to release Pochettino from the contract he renewed with US Soccer in August. The release clause is reported to cover Pochettino himself but not his coaching staff.

Carrick’s fate to be decided in Monaco

Carrick’s future is due to be decided at 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 are expected to recommend a change of manager, and any decision would also need sign-off from the Glazer family.

Carrick was pictured arriving at the club’s Carrington training ground on Wednesday morning and again took charge of a first-team session, with players not away on international duty. He has not yet been told of any decision, and reports suggest he will be informed face to face if the club decides to part ways with him. An official announcement could come on Thursday.

United’s position has become untenable after a dreadful start to the season. The club sit in the relegation zone after winning only one of their first 10 league games, and Carrick has won four of 16 matches since being handed the job on a permanent basis in May after a successful interim spell.

Why United have turned to Pochettino

Pochettino has been linked with the United job on three previous occasions: after Jose Mourinho’s departure in 2018, before Erik ten Hag’s appointment in 2022, and again when the Dutchman was dismissed in 2024. He has long been admired by influential figures at the club, including Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 54-year-old has not managed a club since leaving Chelsea by mutual consent two and a half years ago. He moved into international football by taking the United States job in September 2024 and led the co-hosts to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

His experience in the Premier League, with Tottenham and Chelsea, and his record of developing young players are seen as key attractions for a United squad that has struggled badly this season.

What happens next

A final decision on Carrick is expected after Wednesday’s meeting, although the possibility of him staying has not been completely ruled out. Strengthening his coaching staff remains another option under consideration.

If the change goes ahead, Pochettino would take over a team in the relegation zone with a daunting trip to Liverpool on 22 November as his first league match in charge. More sports coverage is available on Watan News.