Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly close to signing a two-and-a-half-year contract to become Manchester United’s new manager following the dismissal of Michael Carrick on Thursday.
According to The Athletic, an agreement has been reached with the United States national team coach over a deal that would keep the 54-year-old at Old Trafford until 2029.
Pochettino is expected to remain in charge of the USA for their CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final encounters against Haiti on Saturday and next Tuesday before travelling to Manchester.
An official announcement regarding his future could be made as early as Friday. The Argentine is scheduled to address the media at 1415 GMT during a press conference ahead of the first leg against Haiti.
Reports indicate that US Soccer has accepted Pochettino’s decision to leave his position. The federation is expected to receive $10 million in compensation for the coach, alongside an additional $2 million following the departure of his coaching staff.
Carrick was relieved of his duties on Thursday after mounting uncertainty surrounding his position following the club’s disappointing start to the campaign.
The 20-time English champions currently occupy a relegation spot, having secured just one victory in their opening 10 Premier League fixtures.
Carrick, who enjoyed a successful playing career and won several trophies during Manchester United’s golden era under Sir Alex Ferguson, becomes the seventh permanent manager to leave the club since the Scottish manager retired in 2013.
Pochettino led the United States, one of the co-hosts of this year’s World Cup, to the tournament’s last 16 before agreeing to a contract extension that was expected to keep him in charge until the 2030 World Cup.
The Argentine also brings considerable Premier League experience, having managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. He previously coached French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
One of the immediate challenges awaiting Pochettino could be resolving the situation surrounding United captain Bruno Fernandes, who has consistently been among the club’s top performers over several seasons.
The Portuguese attacking midfielder is reportedly unwilling to accept a second contract offer from the club.
However, Manchester United have an option to extend his current agreement until the end of the 2027/2028 season, which would prevent him from negotiating with other clubs in January.
United are scheduled to face arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield on November 22 in their next fixture.