Sports

Manchester United close in on Mauricio Pochettino as new manager as Michael Carrick faces exit talks

By Linda Ikeji 12 November 2026, 8:30 am

Manchester United have officially initiated contact with U.S. Soccer ahead of triggering Mauricio Pochettino’s $10 million release clause, closing in on a deal to appoint the United States men's national team manager as Michael Carrick’s replacement.

Senior United executives, including CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, convened with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco on Wednesday before scheduling a formal meeting with Carrick on Thursday. The 45-year-old manager is widely expected to be relieved of his duties following the discussions.

Carrick, who signed a two-year contract in May, has overseen a difficult start to the campaign that leaves Manchester United 18th in the Premier League table, having secured just one league victory against newly-promoted Ipswich in August.

Despite intense speculation surrounding his future, Carrick remained at the Carrington training complex on Wednesday to oversee sessions with squad members not away on international duty.

Beyond Pochettino’s $10 million buyout clause, Manchester United anticipate spending an additional $2 million to secure the services of his established backroom staff, including longtime assistant Jesus Perez.

Before finalizing any transition to Old Trafford, Pochettino is currently preparing the USMNT for a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal tie against Haiti, scheduled for November 14 and November 17.

U.S. Soccer reportedly expects the Argentine coach to fulfill his duties on the touchline for both fixtures, the team's first competitive outings since sweeping all four matches during the September and October international window.

Pochettino brings substantial Premier League experience from previous managerial tenures at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea, having previously been linked with the Manchester United vacancy in 2018, 2022, and 2024. Manchester United will return to domestic action following the international break with a fixture against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.