Updated

Updated · ESPN · Nov 11

Manchester United Nears Pochettino Deal as Bottom-Three Start Puts Carrick Exit Close

Updated

Updated · ESPN · Nov 11

Manchester United Nears Pochettino Deal as Bottom-Three Start Puts Carrick Exit Close

Q: Will Mauricio Pochettino abandon the USMNT just months into his tenure to take on Manchester United's deepest crisis since 1986?

Yes—based on the reporting, Pochettino appears genuinely willing to leave the USMNT if Manchester United make the move, though it is not final until United sack Michael Carrick and formalize an offer. The clearest evidence is that talks have already opened, Pochettino is described as open to the job, and reports say the broad terms of a deal are largely in place. United’s urgency is also obvious: they are 18th in the Premier League with one win in 10 matches, their worst top-flight start at this stage since 1986-87, and senior figures are meeting in Monaco to decide Carrick’s fate. The main obstacles are practical rather than political. United would have to pay roughly $10 million to release Pochettino from the contract he signed with the United States only in August. There is also the immediate scheduling issue of the USA’s Nations League quarter-final against Haiti next week. Pochettino has reportedly said he wants to respect his current employers, which suggests he may prefer to handle those matches before departing rather than walk out instantly. So the most likely reading is that he would abandon the US job early if United trigger the change. The remaining uncertainty is timing: whether he leaves immediately after Carrick is dismissed or waits until after the Haiti ties before taking over, potentially in time for United’s 22 November match against Liverpool.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Nov 11

Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as Manchester United’s clear choice, with talks opened with the 54-year-old’s representatives and an agreement moving closer.
United’s push follows a poor start that has left the club in the Premier League bottom three, with Michael Carrick expected to be relieved of his duties despite still leading training this week.
Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are due to meet in Monaco on Wednesday, where Carrick’s future is set to dominate even though club sources say no final sign-off has been given.
US Soccer is expected to be approached only after United reach terms with Pochettino, who signed a new U.S. contract in August but is understood to want the Old Trafford job.
Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, Kieran McKenna and Fabian Hurzeler were considered, but United’s hierarchy now favors a more experienced manager with Premier League pedigree.