Manchester United closes in on deal with Mauricio Pochettino

Manchester United is closing in on a deal with Mauricio Pochettino to become its new head coach, but Michael Carrick’s future has yet to be decided. The club is due to decide on Wednesday whether to dismiss its current manager. If Carrick does leave, an announcement is not expected before Thursday, Mundo Deportivo reports.

Manchester United’s leaders are due to meet on Wednesday in Monaco, where co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe lives, to decide Carrick’s future. Carrick has returned to the training ground to lead another session. Mundo Deportivo also reports that the club is close to an agreement with Pochettino, who is at the top of its list of candidates.

A move to Manchester United would bring the Argentine back to the Premier League a little over two years after his departure from Chelsea. He currently manages the United States national team. Manchester United would have to pay a release clause of nearly €9m (£7m) to end his contract, which was renewed this summer until 2030. That fee is not expected to pose a problem, Mundo Deportivo reports.

BBC Sport reports that Pochettino wants the job once Carrick’s future is settled. One source quoted by the outlet says the terms of Pochettino’s arrival are « more or less agreed ». BBC Sport also reports that Manchester United could decide whether Pochettino remains with the United States team for its matches against Haiti.

The Guardian reports that Manchester United players increasingly expect Carrick to be dismissed and Pochettino to replace him. The newspaper says the club is 18th and in the relegation zone. Pochettino has previously managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea in the Premier League. He is also expected to wait for an official approach from Manchester United while respecting the United States Soccer Federation.