Manchester United are finalising a deal to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their newest manager, with a decision on Michael Carrick’s future now imminent.

According to The Athletic, Mauricio Pochettino is closing in on becoming Manchester United’s newest manager, as a decision on Michael Carrick seems imminent. The Red Devils are finalising terms with the Argentine’s camp, and they are then expected to open talks with the USMNT to iron out the final details to take the 54-year-old former Chelsea manager to Old Trafford.

Michael Carrick has been under immense pressure over the last several weeks following the terrible start to the season Manchester United have had. While there were contrasting reports stating he may not be sacked, David Ornstein reported that the club intend to relieve him of his role at Old Trafford, and that the search for a new manager was already underway in the background.

With Carrick now facing the sack, or at least expected to, a host of names had been mentioned in media reports as viable successors. From Unai Emery to Julian Nagelsmann, Manchester United had been linked with several prominent managers in the game, although they appear to be closing in on appointing 54-year-old former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino for the job.

Manchester United had already conducted due diligence on Pochettino, according to reports, and are now in talks with his camp over a potential move. The Argentine is reportedly open to taking over from Carrick, and it is a matter of finalising the deal with the USMNT.

Mauricio Pochettino to replace Michael Carrick

Pochettino has tremendous experience in the game, having managed several prominent clubs along the way. His first foray into English football came with Southampton, and Tottenham soon appointed him with varied success, with the Argentine leading the club to at least two title challenges as well as reaching the Champions League final in 2019.

The 54-year-old last managed Chelsea in the 2023-24 season, after which he took over the USMNT. He has led the USA national side to the last 16 of the recently concluded FIFA World Cup and remains tied to the job through the 2030 World Cup. However, his contract does consist of a release clause in the region of £7.4 million, and taking his staff would also require additional compensation.

Manchester United chiefs Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox are set to meet with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco to finalise the deal for Pochettino and begin preparations to relieve Carrick of his duties. The next few days will be important from a Manchester United point of view, as the managerial change appears imminent.