Manchester United must pay €10 million for Pochettino
Transfer market – Manchester United will have to spend $10 million to hire Mauricio Pochettino, the United States manager, as the club looks to replace Michael Carrick.
Manchester United could soon say goodbye to Michael Carrick and is already actively searching for his successor. Several names are being linked to the Red Devils' bench, including Mauricio Pochettino. Bringing the current American manager across the Atlantic would be expensive.
Cost and financial situation
The club’s accounts are constantly in the red, but it is moving forward on an expensive path to replace Carrick. Mauricio Pochettino, 54, could only leave his United States post by receiving $10 million, roughly €9 million, according to The Athletic. Manchester United recorded a seventh consecutive year of losses in 2025‑26, amounting to €‑50 million, despite a record turnover of €790 million. The club had already paid €9 million in compensation to coach Ruben Amorim, who was dismissed in January.
Pochettino would be open to a move to the north‑west of England, even though he has just extended his contract across the Atlantic, which includes a release clause in case of a prestigious offer. In October, Eddie Howe, 48, and Julian Nagelsmann, 39, were also approached. Antonio Conte, 57, could also be interested in the role.
The Athletic revealed on Monday that the club has decided not to continue with Carrick, after a black run in the Premier League where they have not won since the 5‑2 defeat to Ipswich at the end of August. His departure could be announced before the trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on 22 November in the league. The Red Devils sit in a worrying 18th place in the Premier League and were knocked out of the League Cup in the third round.
Fabrizio Romano says Manchester United have identified Mauricio Pochettino, Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann as the main candidates to replace Michael Carrick, while also clarifying Unai Emery’s stance regarding a possible departure from Aston Villa. TEAMtalk insider Graeme Bailey reported that the club plans to sack Carrick. Manchester United are currently in the Premier League relegation zone, and its executives believe Carrick is not the right coach to move the team forward.
Bailey said that the American manager Pochettino is on Manchester United’s radar as a potential candidate. It is also understood that Pochettino himself would be eager to take charge of the club.
Carrick in crisis, Conte targets Manchester United via Zahavi
Correspondent Fraser Fletcher noted on 20 October that Eddie Howe is interested in the Manchester United manager’s job. Howe left Newcastle United in the summer of 2026. Manchester United would have to pay Newcastle a compensation of £3 million if the club decides to hire him immediately.
Bailey also reported in October that recruitment director Christopher Vivell backs Julian Nagelsmann, with whom he worked at RB Leipzig. Romano named Howe, Pochettino and Nagelsmann as the three top candidates for the Manchester United job. He stated that Manchester United have already spoken with people close to Eddie Howe.
According to Romano, although the club would like to hire Unai Emery, the former Arsenal coach remains at Aston Villa.
Romano said on his YouTube channel that Mauricio Pochettino’s name resurfaced today as a potential candidate, recalling that he was already being considered by INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and that his contract with the United States includes a release clause.
He added that Julian Nagelsmann is completely free and attracted by a club role after his stint with the German national team.
Romano clarified that Eddie Howe remains an option, Newcastle receiving a modest compensation of a few million pounds, with no obstacle if Manchester United choose him.
Finally, he emphasized that Unai Emery was the “dream candidate”, but Aston Villa has erected a high wall, offering him a new contract to retain him.