United's relegation battle pushes Pochettino towards Old Trafford

Manchester United, the Red side, sit 18th in the Premier League, their lowest position since 1986‑87, and Michael Carrick’s tenure appears on borrowed time at Old Trafford. World Cup boss Mauricio Pochettino is reported to be ready to accept an offer to become United’s next head coach.

United’s relegation battle and Carrick’s fate

This is the club's lowest position at this stage since the 1986‑87 season when they were 20th. Michael Carrick’s position as head coach is under pressure, with talks suggesting his tenure is effectively on borrowed time at Old Trafford. United have opened talks with Argentine Mauricio Pochettino about potentially replacing Carrick.

A meeting in Monaco involving chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox and co‑owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to decide Carrick's future, with recommendations leaning towards his exit. notes that clubs often discuss potential replacements before confirming the current manager, a practice not uncommon in football.

Pochettino’s potential move and financial terms

Mauricio Pochettino, who currently manages the United States national team, is ready to accept an offer to become United’s next head coach. United would need to pay $10m (£7.5m) to release Pochettino from his contract.

US Soccer officials expect an official approach from United and have a contingency plan, including a succession plan for their manager’s departure. The succession plan raises the possibility that Pochettino may not take charge of the upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarter‑finals against Haiti.

Manchester United must pay $10m to lure US boss Pochettino

United have spoken to Pochettino on three previous occasions – after Jose Mourinho’s exit in 2018, before appointing Erik ten Hag in 2022, and after the Dutchman’s departure in 2024. His résumé includes spells at Southampton, Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint‑Germain, giving him extensive experience of the Premier League and high‑profile clubs.

At 54, Pochettino is understood to view the United job as a serious opportunity and would accept if formally offered. Reports indicate that the terms for Pochettino to join United are more or less agreed.

US side and Guardiola speculation

Despite the agreement, Pochettino is set to remain with the United States through the international break, meaning he may not report to Old Trafford until after the Haiti fixtures. The United States will play Haiti in Miami on Saturday and in Cincinnati on Tuesday as part of the Concacaf Nations League.

Defender Chris Richards said training continues as usual and the squad is keeping its head down despite the United speculation. A £7million agreement with US Soccer to release Pochettino has been reached, but United could face a period without a head coach when the players return from the break.

Manchester United in talks with US Soccer over Pochettino

If Pochettino takes charge, his first match would be at Liverpool after only a few days in the role. Meanwhile, speculation in Spain suggests Pep Guardiola could be a candidate to replace Pochettino as United States manager.

Guardiola left Manchester City in May and is currently without a club. US federation officials reportedly see Guardiola as their primary target for the United States job. Guardiola rejected a meeting with the Italian federation in July, preferring a break. He has previously turned down offers to manage Brazil after the 2022 World Cup and England after Euro 2024.