Manchester United have identified Mauricio Pochettino as their top candidate to replace Michael Carrick, with The Athletic's David Ornstein reporting that the club is working on a deal to make the Argentine their next head coach, should an ultimate decision be taken to relieve Carrick of his duties.
Ornstein posted the update on X, relayed by the @utdreport account, stating that Manchester United are finalising a deal for Pochettino to become their next head coach if a decision is made to part with Carrick. He added that no snags are expected over personal terms, writing that the club "spent Tuesday ironing out personal terms with Mauricio Pochettino's representatives, no issues are anticipated, but they have yet to contact U.S. Soccer".
Carrick remains in his post for now. United's 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, November 8 - rescued by late stoppage-time goals from Zirkzee and Dorgu - left the club 18th in the Premier League, with one win from ten league games and one from eleven in all competitions.
According to reports, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox have recommended a change in the dugout, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe holding the final say at a board meeting in Monaco on Wednesday. The Standard reported that a decision is not expected before Thursday.
Money is not expected to be the obstacle. Pochettino signed a U.S. Soccer contract running to 2030, but The Athletic reported a buyout clause of close to $10 million (£7.4 million), which would rise if he brings his coaching staff with him. United have not yet triggered that clause.
Pochettino, 54, has not commented on the reports. He is currently with the USMNT in Atlanta, preparing for their Nations League quarterfinal against Haiti. Ornstein also said he had not heard of any push for Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann or Antonio Conte as alternatives.
What Pochettino would bring
Ornstein also recalled that when United spoke to Pochettino in 2024, during the period of pressure on Erik ten Hag, the club came away with reservations. "I was told they were a little underwhelmed regarding his coaching at the time, his hunger, his work rate," he said.
United's next fixture is the trip to Anfield on Sunday, November 22.
