Manchester United has made formal contact with U.S. Soccer regarding the hiring of Mauricio Pochettino, ESPN reported on Wednesday.
The club is moving to trigger a $10 million release clause to secure the Argentine manager, who currently leads the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT). This move comes as United executives prepare to address the future of Michael Carrick, who is expected to be relieved of his duties following a difficult start to the Premier League season.
The stakes for both organizations are high. Manchester United currently sits 18th in the Premier League table, having secured only one victory this season against Ipswich in August. For the USMNT, the potential departure of Pochettino creates immediate uncertainty ahead of their Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal matches against Haiti, scheduled for November 14 and November 17.
According to ESPN, United executives including CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox met with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco on Wednesday. This meeting preceded a scheduled Thursday meeting with Carrick, where the 45-year-old manager is expected to be dismissed.
The cost of a managerial shift
The transition involves more than changing personnel; it requires substantial funding. Beyond the $10 million required to release Pochettino from his contract through 2030, United will likely spend an additional $2 million to hire his coaching staff, including long-time assistant Jesus Perez, ESPN reported.
Yahoo Sports said that while the move toward Pochettino appears imminent, the primary roadblock has been the existing employment of Michael Carrick. Although Carrick signed a two-year contract in May, his tenure has been marked by a struggle to maintain competitive standards. On Wednesday, Carrick was seen at Carrington leading training sessions with players not currently on international duty, though his future remains unresolved.
The potential impact on the American squad is a growing concern for supporters and players alike. Yahoo Sports reported that USMNT players were aware of rumors regarding Pochettino’s potential departure, though they attempted to downplay the news on Tuesday.
While it remains unclear who would replace Pochettino or if he will oversee the upcoming games against Haiti, a source told ESPN that U.S. Soccer expects him to manage both matches.
Pochettino’s Premier League history
Pochettino is no stranger to the pressures of English football. His return to the Premier League would follow a career defined by high-profile roles at Southampton, Tottenham, and Chelsea. During his time at Tottenham, he guided the club to the 2019 Champions League final, and at Southampton, he secured the team’s highest-ever finish in the competition.
His most recent stint in England was at Chelsea, a period that preceded his appointment with the USMNT. He had previously been considered for the Manchester United position in 2018, 2022, and 2024, making this latest pursuit a culmination of long-standing interest from the club.
The timing of the move places immense pressure on the Manchester United squad. Following the anticipated coaching change, the club faces a critical fixture against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
| Key Financial & Performance Metrics | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pochettino Release Clause | $10 million |
| Estimated Staffing Costs | $2 million |
| United Premier League Position | 18th |
| Carrick Contract Duration | 2 years (signed May) |
The decision to move for Pochettino highlights a desperate attempt by the United hierarchy to avoid the catastrophic economic and sporting consequences of relegation. By targeting a manager with proven top-flight experience, the club is betting heavily on a rapid reversal of their current form.
The next scheduled developments include the USMNT matches against Haiti on November 14 and November 17.
Worth a look
West Virginia State Defeats Charleston in Three Sets to End Regular Season
West Virginia State defeated the University of Charleston in three sets on Thursday night to close out the...
Philadelphia Appeals Ruling on Washington Square West Historic District
Homeowners in the Washington Square West historic district face continued regulatory oversight as the City of Philadelphia appeals...
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Seabirds find refuge across 1,853 rocks, reefs, and islands stretching from Tillamook Head to the California border, according...
Ryan Day Balances Salvaging 2026 With Building for 2027
Ohio State’s 2026 football season has shifted from a championship pursuit to a fight for stability in just...