Trafford sees Mauricio Pochettino close to United helm amid crisis

Cerca de Old Trafford, Los Red Devils are buzzing as Mauricio Pochettino edges closer to the Manchester United job, with the club hoping the Argentine will rescue them from a deepening crisis. United currently sit 18th after just one win in their first ten matches, a single point above the bottom.

Negotiations and financial hurdle

Manchester United's board are negotiating personal terms with the Argentine strategist to replace Michael Carrick.

The deal would reportedly cost Manchester United between $6 million and $10 million to release him from his United States national team contract.

Pochettino is currently the head coach of the Selección de Estados Unidos, a role he renewed with a $6 million per year contract three months ago.

The United States team are preparing for CONCACAF Nations League quarter‑finals against Haiti, with Futbol matches scheduled for Saturday and Tuesday.

It is unclear whether Pochettino will be with the United States for either game.

Crisis and leadership changes

The club's search for a new manager is driven by the poor start under Michael Carrick, who is expected to be shown the exit door.

United have recorded only one victory in their opening ten Premier League fixtures, leaving them 18th and just one point clear of the bottom spot.

United close to appointing Pochettino and deciding on Carrick

Co‑owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will decide after emergency meetings in Monaco with executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox.

Interest in Pochettino dates back to 2016, with the former Southampton, Tottenham, Paris Saint‑Germain and Chelsea manager repeatedly linked with United.

Pochettino, 54, has Premier League experience, having led Southampton to its highest ever finish and Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final.

He also spent a season at Chelsea and a spell at Paris Saint‑Germain.

After a year at Chelsea, he took over the United States national team and guided them to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.

Pochettino poised to take United job as Carrick's exit looms

United are facing possible relegation, prompting the board to consider a significant head‑coach appointment.

Reports on Monday suggested Carrick could be dismissed, with Pochettino among the leading candidates.

Wednesday meetings are expected to decide Carrick's fate, after which Pochettino would be hired.

The situation remained unresolved on Wednesday morning, with Carrick still training with the squad.