Pochettino to Man Utd: verbal agreement reached to replace Carrick

Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement with Mauricio Pochettino to become their next manager, Sky Sports and AFP reported on Wednesday, 11 November, a day after we wrote that the club was weighing Michael Carrick’s future. The new fact is that the talking is mostly done: what is left is the paperwork with Pochettino’s camp and a deal with US Soccer, which employs him.

That explains why “coach” was among the UK’s biggest Google searches overnight.

Where the deal stands

Sky Sports describes it as an agreement in principle, with United still finalising details. ESPN was more careful, saying only that United are close to an agreement. Neither the club nor Pochettino has said anything on the record.

The main sticking point is timing. Goal reports that United’s board is negotiating with the US Soccer Federation over when Pochettino can leave, and that he could be in charge in time for the Liverpool game on Sunday, 22 November, the first match after the international break.

The release clause in the contract he signed with the USA after the World Cup is reported as about £7 million by Sky Sports, and $10 million (about £7.5 million) by AFP.

What happens to Carrick

Carrick has not been sacked yet. Goal says the board has decided to part ways with him during this international break, and reports name chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox as the two pushing for the change. Carrick was appointed permanently in the summer after his interim spell earlier in the year.

Why Pochettino

The Argentine, 54, has been linked with United more than once since his Tottenham years, when he took Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final. He also managed Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea before taking the USA job. United fans will see it as the hire the club passed on before.

The next step to watch is an official statement from United, or from US Soccer, once the leaving date is agreed.