Manchester United have contacted U.S. Soccer as they move closer to appointing Mauricio Pochettino as their next manager, according to sources cited by ESPN.
The Premier League club are exploring the possibility of triggering the USMNT coach's reported $10 million release clause as they prepare to replace Michael Carrick.
Sources indicate that United executives are scheduled to meet Carrick on Thursday, with the expectation that the former midfielder will be relieved of his duties. The club is also preparing for the additional cost of bringing Pochettino's coaching staff to Old Trafford, which could amount to approximately $2 million. His long-time assistant Jesus Perez is among those expected to join him.
Manchester United Executives Prepare for Carrick Meeting
United's leadership has been working on the managerial situation behind the scenes.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox met minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco on Wednesday before the planned meeting with Carrick.
The 45-year-old signed a two-year contract in May but has struggled to deliver results during the opening months of the season.
United have won only one Premier League match, a victory against newly promoted Ipswich in August, and currently sit 18th in the standings.
Despite growing uncertainty surrounding his position, the club has not publicly confirmed Carrick's departure.
He was still at the club's Carrington training ground on Wednesday, overseeing sessions for players who are not away on international duty.
Pochettino Emerges as United's Leading Target
Pochettino has extensive experience in English football, having managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
His previous Premier League experience makes him a familiar candidate for United, who have considered appointing him on several occasions.
The Argentine was previously linked with the managerial position in 2018, 2022 and 2024, but a move to Old Trafford never materialized.
Now, with United struggling near the bottom of the table, the club appears prepared to pursue him more seriously.
The reported $10 million release clause would allow United to negotiate his departure from the U.S. national team setup, although the timing remains complicated by upcoming international commitments.
U.S. Soccer Expects Pochettino to Lead Haiti Matches
Pochettino is preparing for two important matches with the United States men's national team against Haiti on November 14 and November 17.
Both fixtures are part of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals.
According to a source cited by ESPN, U.S. Soccer expects Pochettino to remain in charge for the two games. They will be the Americans' first matches since winning all four of their fixtures during the September and October international windows.
That expectation could create a timing challenge for Manchester United if they want to complete the managerial appointment immediately.
The situation also leaves uncertainty over when Pochettino could officially begin work at Old Trafford.
Liverpool Match Looms for Manchester United
United's next Premier League fixture is a major away clash against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
The club will hope to have greater clarity over its managerial situation before that meeting, particularly given its difficult start to the campaign.
If Carrick is dismissed and Pochettino is appointed, the Argentine would face the task of restoring confidence, improving results and moving United away from the relegation zone.
For now, discussions with U.S. Soccer and the planned meeting with Carrick represent important steps in a developing managerial situation. United's pursuit of Pochettino appears to be progressing, but his international commitments remain a key factor in determining the timing of any appointment.
Comments
Comments
Post a Comment