Manchester United has opened talks with Mauricio Pochettino over the potential appointment of the Argentine as head coach. According to English journalists, the Red Devils' management has already been in contact with the strategist, who currently leads the United States national team. For the 54-year-old manager, a job at Old Trafford is seen as a serious opportunity to continue his career in the English Premier League, and he is expected to accept the post if the club makes an official offer.

Respect for US Soccer and Release Clause

Despite interest from the Mancunians, Pochettino intends to maintain respect for the United States Soccer Federation and is awaiting an official approach from the English club. The Argentine’s contract with the national team, signed in August, includes a buyout clause for early termination amounting to $10 million (approximately £7.5 million). This clause is a key financial condition that Manchester United must settle in the event of a transition.

Carrick's Decision to Be Made in Monaco

The question regarding Michael Carrick's future is set to be decided at a meeting of Manchester United's board in Monaco on Wednesday. It will be attended by club CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Jason Wilcox, and co-owner Jim Ratcliffe. According to sources, Berrada and Wilcox's recommendation is to terminate cooperation with the 45-year-old Carrick, with a decision on his future expected within the next 48 hours. Although the trip to Monaco is one of regular strategic meetings, this time the main focus will be on changing the manager and the club's next steps.

The Reason: League Results

Dissatisfaction with Carrick's work stems from the team's results. After the first ten rounds of the Premier League, Manchester United sits 18th in the standings, firmly in the relegation zone. The Red Devils have secured only one win at the start of the championship and have not won since August. This is the club's worst position at this stage of a top-flight English season since the 1986/87 campaign, when the team finished last in 20th place.

Third Approach to Pochettino and His English Experience

Manchester United has approached Pochettino for the managerial role for the third time: first in 2018 following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho, a second time in 2022 when the club ultimately appointed Erik ten Hag, and a third time in 2024 after the Dutch coach was sacked. The Argentine himself has extensive experience in English football: in January 2013 he took charge of Southampton, in 2014 he became manager of Tottenham Hotspur, where he spent five years and led the team to the Champions League final. Later, he managed PSG from January 2021 to July 2022, and spent the 2023/24 season at the helm of Chelsea.

Context: USMNT and Other Candidates

In September 2024, Pochettino took charge of the US national team. Under his leadership, the Americans, who served as co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, reached the Round of 16 of the tournament. Ahead for the national team is a two-legged playoff against Haiti in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals. Meanwhile, the media are discussing other candidates for the Manchester United manager post—including Fabian Hürzeler, Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte, and Julian Nagelsmann—highlighting the wide range of options being considered by club leadership.