United States national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino is set to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract with Premier League side Manchester United, stepping in for club legend Michael Carrick after a poor start to the 2026/27 campaign, according to The Athletic.
Languishing in 18th place inside the Premier League relegation zone during the international break, Manchester United sacked Carrick on Thursday. Having recorded just three victories across all competitions, and only one win from 10 Premiership fixtures, the Old Trafford hierarchy brought a premature end to his two-year permanent tenure.
To secure the 54-year-old Argentine, the Red Devils are prepared to pay a buyout clause worth approximately 10 million USD (7.4 million pounds) to release him from his US Soccer contract. Once the final details are settled, the former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager will sign terms keeping him at Old Trafford until 2029.
An official confirmation could arrive as early as Friday. Pochettino is currently overseeing the USA ahead of their two-legged CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals on Saturday and Tuesday, before heading to Manchester in time for United’s trip to face Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
Appointed in September 2024, he leaves the American setup after just over two years, highlighted by a round-of-16 finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Michael Carrick sacked after successful interim period last season
Carrick had previously been afforded extra time following last month’s 0-3 defeat against Bournemouth, yet managed only a victory over Roma to show for it. He originally secured his permanent deal in May after stepping in for Ruben Amorim as interim boss in January.
During that 17-game caretaker spell, Carrick collected a league-best 39 points to clinch third place and Champions League qualification, highlighted by triumphs over Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea. However, a Carabao Cup exit to Brighton & Hove Albion, uneven Champions League form, and a relegation-threatened league campaign ultimately cost him his job.
The Old Trafford faithful showed their support for the manager, while criticising the players and the board. However, Carrick was sacked on Thursday, with Pochettino set to be hired as the new Manchester United manager.
