Mauricio Pochettino is edging closer to a deal to become Manchester United's next manager, with the USMNT coach prepared to accept an offer from Old Trafford. Pochettino has a $10 million buy-out clause written into his contract with the U.S. Soccer Federation, clearing a path for United to move for him.
United have already opened talks with the U.S. Federation, though any progress is unlikely until Michael Carrick's position is resolved. According to The Mirror, the United hierarchy are meeting in Monaco, where they are expected to decide to part ways with Carrick before pushing ahead with a move for Pochettino, who has reportedly emerged as their unanimous first choice.
United chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe are said to be deliberating over the club's plans, leaving Carrick in limbo. He did still turn up to the club's training ground on Wednesday. Carrick had remained in charge after senior club officials held crisis talks over his position following a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth that extended United's winless run to eight matches, with no decision on his future announced at that point.
There is an added complication for Pochettino, with the United States set to face a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Haiti over the coming week. That makes an immediate announcement on his appointment unlikely, although the U.S. Federation is said to be fully aware of United's interest.
Pochettino has been linked with the Manchester United job on three separate occasions over the past 10 years. He signed a new contract with the U.S. Federation in August to stay in charge through 2030, having impressed with the United States at the FIFA World Cup and persuaded the federation to extend his deal. He has never hidden his ambition to return to club management at some point, which is understood to be the reasoning behind his buy-out clause.
United currently sit 18th in the Premier League, in the relegation zone, having won just one of their opening 10 games this season, with their last victory coming back in August. That marks United's lowest standing at this stage of a top-flight season since 1986-87, when they were 20th at the same point.
United are understood to have considered other candidates, including Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, but Pochettino commanded by far the strongest support internally, with the decision to pursue him reported to be unanimous. There were said to be reservations about the other candidates, while Pochettino's style of play, personality and charisma have also made him a popular choice among supporters.
Despite the process potentially taking a few more days, the expectation is that Pochettino will be installed as manager well ahead of United's next fixture, away to Liverpool a week on Sunday.
