Why is Pochettino the favourite to replace Carrick at Manchester United?
What would Mauricio Pochettino bring to the job if he replaces Michael Carrick in the Old Trafford hot seat?
Manchester United are reportedly inching closer to appointing Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager, while current boss Michael Carrick faces the possibility of being sacked. The former Tottenham and Chelsea boss is the frontrunner for the role, with discussions on personal terms progressing. However, a potential US$10 million (RM40.7 million) compensation bill remains between Pochettino and Manchester United.
According to sources, Manchester United held talks with Pochettino's representatives on Tuesday, and no significant hurdles are anticipated to prevent an agreement. The Argentine manager expressed his desire to take the job, with mutual interest indicated. Yet, securing Pochettino away from the US national team will come at a significant cost.
His contract extension in August ties him to US Soccer until 2030, with a release clause reportedly valued around US$10 million. If United also recruit his coaching staff, including long-time assistant Jesús Pérez, that figure may rise further. United's hierarchy, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, are in Monaco for discussions with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding Carrick's future.
The club is expected to recommend a managerial change following a dismal start to the season, leaving United 18th in the Premier League. United has won only once in their opening 10 league matches, accumulating eight points in their most disappointing start to a top-flight campaign in four decades. The recent 4-4 draw against Aston Villa only heightened the pressure on Carrick.
Carrick, however, is confident he will retain his position despite the mounting speculation. Pochettino has been out of club management since leaving Chelsea in 2024, previously guiding Tottenham to the Champions League final in 2019. He took charge of the US national team in late 2024 but witnessed a disappointing exit in the 2026 World Cup's last-16 stage before extending his contract.
United face Liverpool at Anfield on November 22, providing the club's hierarchy a crucial decision point during the international break.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- EPL: Man United set to part ways with Carrick — Report punchng.com
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