Manchester United are reportedly moving closer to appointing Mauricio Pochettino as their next head coach, with negotiations advancing over the Argentine’s potential departure from the United States national team.
The development comes as the club’s senior executives prepare to make a final decision on Michael Carrick’s future following growing concerns over Manchester United’s recent performances and their slide into the Premier League relegation zone.
United chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox travelled to Monaco to meet minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The meeting is expected to determine whether Carrick will be dismissed after just 10 months in charge.
Although United have maintained that no final decision has been reached, reports indicate that discussions over an agreement with Pochettino are already at an advanced stage.
Bookmaker Betfair has also suspended betting on the next Manchester United manager.
Pochettino Emerges as United’s Preferred Replacement
The 54-year-old is understood to be the club’s leading candidate to replace Carrick and could leave his position with the United States national team to take charge at Old Trafford.
However, appointing the former Tottenham, Chelsea and Southampton manager would require United to pay compensation of approximately £7million to the US Soccer Federation.
Pochettino’s contract with the federation was renewed following the World Cup in the summer.
He is currently working with the American national team at their training base south of Atlanta, preparing for a CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final double-header against Haiti.
Despite his international commitments, Pochettino is believed to be interested in returning to the Premier League.
Manchester United previously considered the Argentine for the managerial position before appointing Erik ten Hag in 2022. His name also emerged again in 2024 when Ten Hag’s position was under pressure.
Ratcliffe to Receive Recommendation on Carrick’s Future
Berrada and Wilcox travelled to the south of France on Tuesday to attend a scheduled meeting of Ineos executives in Monaco.
The pair are expected to present their recommendation to Ratcliffe on Wednesday, with the circumstances surrounding Carrick’s position suggesting that the manager could be relieved of his duties.
However, co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer would also have to approve any decision to dismiss him.
United’s hierarchy reportedly prefer to communicate the decision directly to Carrick rather than announce it without first meeting him.
Consequently, an official confirmation of his departure may not come until Thursday.
Carrick arrived at the club’s Carrington training ground at 7.45am on Wednesday to oversee preparations for players who are not currently away on international duty.
The 45-year-old’s position remains uncertain as discussions over the club’s next managerial appointment continue.
Carrick’s Departure Would Mark Another Managerial Change
If United dismiss Carrick, the club will be searching for their third permanent head coach this year.
Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January and was subsequently handed a two-year contract in May.
His dismissal would therefore leave United facing another compensation payment.
The potential payout would add to the £22.7million already spent by the club on compensation since 2024.
United paid £10.4million to Ten Hag and his coaching staff following the Dutchman’s dismissal, which came just four months after he received a contract extension.
Former sporting director Dan Ashworth also received £4.1million after spending only 159 days in the role.
Amorim and his backroom staff accounted for another £8.2million following their departure after 14 months.
The compensation relating to Amorim could have reached £16.7million, but United reportedly saved half of that amount when the Portuguese manager returned to work at AC Milan.
Including a potential settlement for Carrick and other departures, the total compensation paid to coaching staff and executives under Ratcliffe and Ineos over the past three years could approach £30million.
Uncertainty Surrounds Carrick’s Coaching Staff
A possible change in management would also raise questions about the future of Carrick’s backroom team.
Goalkeeper coach Craig Mawson, who was already working at Manchester United before Carrick’s arrival, is expected to remain at the club.
Travis Binnion, who progressed from working with the club’s youth teams to becoming a first-team coach, could also retain his position.
Jonny Evans recently left his position as loans manager before returning to work alongside his former United teammate as part of the new coaching setup.
The current group also includes Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate.
However, the club has yet to clarify what would happen to the remaining members of Carrick’s coaching staff if he is dismissed.
Sheringham Criticises United Players Amid Carrick Uncertainty
Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham has criticised the team’s performances following their chaotic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Sheringham questioned the players’ understanding of their tactical responsibilities, suggesting that the team appeared uncertain about whether to press opponents or retreat defensively.
Speaking to BOYLE Sports, he pointed to defensive mistakes during the match, including an incident involving Harry Maguire.
He also questioned goalkeeper Senne Lammens’ performances, describing the goalkeeper as nervous and highlighting a series of mistakes that he believed had put the team under immediate pressure.
Sheringham acknowledged that United showed determination in their response after falling behind but insisted that their overall performances were not acceptable for a club of their stature.
His comments came as Carrick’s future at Old Trafford became increasingly uncertain, with senior club officials preparing to make a decision on whether he will continue as manager.
