Pochettino open to Man Utd job, reports say

In the quiet of Old Trafford’s boardroom, Sir Jim Ratcliffe prepares to decide tomorrow whether Michael Carrick’s reign at Man Utd ends, as reports confirm a £10million release clause in Mauricio Pochettino’s USA contract could make the Argentine coach an affordable replacement for United.

Manchester United will have to pay £10million for Mauricio Pochettino should they decide to hire him as first‑team manager to replace Michael Carrick, with the former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea boss open to taking over at Old Trafford, reports say.

Pochettino emerges as favourite

Earlier on Monday, Pochettino emerged as favourites among the bookmakers to replace Carrick as Man Utd manager.

Later that day revealed that the USA national team boss is interested in becoming the next Man Utd manager.

In early Monday evening journalist Mike Keegan reported that there is a release clause in Pochettino’s contract with the USA.

Pochettino has been the USMNT manager since September 2024 and signed a new contract in August 2026 extending his deal until the end of the 2030 World Cup.

Ratcliffe to decide Carrick’s fate

At 9:59pm The Athletic’s David Ornstein disclosed that Manchester United intend to sack Carrick as manager.

It has now emerged that the release clause in the Argentine’s contract is £10million, a figure not seen as prohibitive for United.

Man Utd draw up fresh plan that could save Michael Carrick ahead of crunch Monaco meeting

Former Tottenham player and pundit Jamie O’Hara read live on radio at 10:39pm on 9 November 2026: “ understands that Michael Carrick’s future will be decided by Sir Jim Ratcliffe tomorrow in a meeting in Monaco.”

He added: “Initial reports suggest that Pochettino’s release clause is £10million, a figure that took sources close to Old Trafford by surprise.”

journalist Ben Jacobs wrote on X at 10:19pm on 9 November that Michael Carrick’s Manchester United contract contains a one‑year break clause, making an exit cheaper than for previous United managers.

He noted that Mauricio Pochettino, one of the leading contenders, also has a release clause that multiple sources believe will not prove prohibitive if United choose to proceed.

Jacobs said the former Spurs and Chelsea boss is open to the role despite only recently extending his contract with US Soccer.

Bent unconvinced by Pochettino as Manchester United frontrunner

Jacobs also mentioned that free agents Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann have been discussed, adding that £3million would be due to Newcastle if Howe were appointed.

Later at 10:44pm Jacobs reported that co‑owner and INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans to make the final decision on Carrick’s future on Tuesday.

He will lead a meeting in Monaco, where Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox are expected to present the recommendation to part ways with Carrick, with Pochettino a leading contender.

The USMNT boss’s release clause was reiterated, and Carrick is expected to return to Carrington tomorrow awaiting official communication of his exit.