Soccer
Pochettino closing in on Manchester United: agreement in principle reached as Carrick's future hangs in the balance
Manchester United have their chosen successor lined up. According to Sky Sports, the club have reached a verbal agreement in principle with Mauricio Pochettino, the 54-year-old head coach of the United States, to become the Red Devils' next manager if the board decides to part ways with Michael Carrick. The Athletic reports that terms are being finalised with the Argentine's camp, and a decision is expected on Wednesday.
A decision expected on Wednesday in Monaco
Carrick's fate is set to be decided on Wednesday at a meeting in Monaco between co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. According to the BBC, Berrada and Wilcox are expected to recommend the former midfielder's dismissal. Carrick himself led training as normal on Wednesday morning at Carrington, working with the players not away on international duty. The numbers are damning: United's worst start to a season in 40 years, 18th place in the Premier League and eight matches without a win, including last weekend's spectacular 4-4 draw with Aston Villa. The club has insisted, however, that no final decision has been made, and one option under consideration is to strengthen Carrick's coaching staff rather than replace him.
An American contract to buy out
The remaining obstacle is Pochettino's contract. The Argentine only signed an extension with U.S. Soccer three months ago, keeping him in charge through the 2030 World Cup, and his release would cost around 7 million pounds, close to 10 million dollars. According to talkSPORT, the total package, including his staff, would come to around 12 million dollars. United have yet to contact U.S. Soccer, but Pochettino is reported to have kept the federation informed. In the meantime, he is still due to take charge of the United States on Saturday against Haiti in the first leg of their CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final. He wants to bring four trusted lieutenants with him: assistant Jesus Perez, assistant coach Miguel D'Agostino, goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez and fitness coach Sebastiano Pochettino, his son.
A Premier League return
For Manchester United, Pochettino would be a logical choice: the Argentine knows the Premier League inside out, having managed Southampton, Tottenham — whom he led to the 2019 Champions League final — and Chelsea, as well as Paris Saint-Germain. His demanding style and taste for young players fit the profile the club is looking for to revive a team in freefall. The cost of instability keeps climbing, though: since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013, the total United have spent hiring and firing managers would pass 133 million dollars with this appointment. If everything is confirmed during the international break, Pochettino could take his place in the Old Trafford dugout on November 22, against Liverpool, the club's great rivals.