MAN UNITED OPEN TALKS WITH POCHETTINO AS CARRICK FACES EXIT
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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim
Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly willing to accept an offer from Manchester United to become the club’s next head coach as Michael Carrick’s position at Old Trafford becomes increasingly uncertain.
The Premier League giants have opened discussions with the Argentine over the possibility of replacing Carrick, who is expected to leave his position within the next 48 hours.
According to BBC Sport on Wednesday, sources close to the negotiations revealed that Pochettino is interested in taking charge of United once Carrick’s future has been settled.
However, the former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager is keen to maintain a cordial relationship with the United States Soccer Federation and is expected to wait for an official approach from Manchester United.
United would reportedly need to pay $10m (£7.5m) to secure his release from his contract with the United States national team, which he renewed in August.
The timing of a potential appointment could pose a challenge, as the US are scheduled to face Haiti in a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final over the coming week.
Consequently, Pochettino, 54, could face a difficult decision if United submit a formal offer while he is preparing his team for the international fixtures.
The Argentine has previously been linked with the Manchester United managerial position on three occasions: following Jose Mourinho’s departure in 2018, before Erik ten Hag’s appointment in 2022, and after the Dutchman’s dismissal in 2024.
Meanwhile, Carrick’s future is expected to be discussed at a meeting in Monaco on Wednesday involving United Chief Executive Omar Berrada, Director of Football Jason Wilcox and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Berrada and Wilcox are reportedly expected to recommend Carrick’s departure following the club’s disappointing start to the Premier League campaign.
United have managed just one victory in their opening 10 league matches and currently occupy 18th position, inside the relegation zone. Their standing represents the club’s lowest position at this stage of a top-flight season since the 1986/87 campaign, when they were 20th.
Carrick, 45, was pictured arriving at the club’s Carrington training ground on Wednesday as discussions surrounding his future continued.
Pochettino previously managed Southampton and Tottenham in the Premier League, guiding the North London side to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final.
He subsequently took charge of Paris Saint-Germain before managing Chelsea during the 2023/24 season.
The Argentine became head coach of the United States national team in September 2024 and led the co-hosts to the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With Manchester United considering another managerial change, Pochettino could finally have the opportunity to take charge at Old Trafford after several previous links to the position.
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