Relegation-threatened Manchester United close in on Pochettino to replace struggling Carrick

Manchester United are closing in on the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as head coach, with the club preparing to trigger his reported $10 million buyout clause from U.S. Soccer, according to a report from The Athletic published on Wednesday. The move is contingent on United deciding to sack Michael Carrick, whose tenure has produced a 1W-5D-4L Premier League record that leaves the club in the relegation zone.

Carrick, a former United midfielder, was handed the permanent manager’s role this past summer after impressing as interim boss following Rubén Amorim’s sacking in January. His permanent reign has lasted fewer than six months. United have not been relegated from the top flight since the 1973-74 season.

Pochettino’s potential arrival comes barely three months after he signed a four-year contract extension with U.S. Soccer in August, off the back of the United States’ run to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup on home soil. The Athletic reports that United and U.S. Soccer have yet to make official contact, but the English club are expected to move quickly once a decision on Carrick is made.

The 54-year-old Argentine brings considerable Premier League pedigree to the role. He guided Tottenham Hotspur to the 2019 Champions League final and managed Chelsea during the 2023-24 season. He also claimed a Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain.

Should the appointment be confirmed, Pochettino’s first match could hardly be more daunting. United return from the international break with a home fixture against Liverpool on 22 November.

His departure would leave U.S. Soccer without a head coach ahead of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals, with matches against Haiti scheduled for 14 and 17 November.