Mauricio Pochettino Agrees Manchester United Deal as Michael Carrick Faces Sack

Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Mauricio Pochettino to become their next manager, with Michael Carrick facing dismissal following a disappointing start to the 2026/27 season.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea boss has reached a verbal agreement with Man United, although his appointment remains dependent on the club making a final decision regarding Carrick’s future.

Pochettino, 54, is currently in charge of the United States national team, but is understood to be interested in returning to Premier League management. United would need to negotiate his departure from US Soccer, with compensation expected to cost approximately £7 million.

The development comes ahead of a meeting between United’s senior officials in Monaco on Wednesday, where Carrick’s position is expected to be discussed.

Manchester United Chiefs to Decide Michael Carrick’s Future

Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are meeting Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco to review the club’s poor start to the campaign.

Both Berrada and Wilcox are reportedly expected to recommend dismissing Carrick, who has overseen United’s worst start to a league season in 40 years.

The Red Devils currently sit 18th in the Premier League, having registered just one victory from their opening ten matches. Carrick’s side have also gone eight league games without a win, increasing the pressure on the former United midfielder.

Carrick was appointed permanently during the summer after guiding United to third place in the Premier League during his spell as interim manager last season.

However, results have deteriorated considerably since the beginning of the new campaign. A 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth in October was followed by a 2-0 loss at Chelsea, leaving United in the relegation zone.

A dramatic 3-2 Champions League victory against Roma provided some encouragement, but Sunday’s 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford has done little to ease concerns over the club’s league position.

Despite the speculation, Carrick reported to United’s Carrington training ground on Wednesday morning and remains in charge until an official decision is announced.

Mauricio Pochettino Closing in on Old Trafford Appointment

Pochettino has been linked with Manchester United on several occasions, with the Argentine previously considered for the managerial position following the departures of Jose Mourinho and Erik ten Hag.

He has considerable Premier League experience, having managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

Pochettino spent more than five years in charge of Tottenham, establishing the North London club as regular Champions League participants and guiding Spurs to the 2019 Champions League Final against Liverpool.

He subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Ligue 1 title, before returning to England with Chelsea in 2023.

Following his departure from Stamford Bridge in 2024, Pochettino was appointed United States head coach and led the national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Argentine signed a new contract with US Soccer in August, extending his commitment until the 2030 World Cup. However, United are reportedly prepared to pay the necessary compensation to secure his release.

Pochettino is currently preparing for the USA’s CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final against Haiti, with fixtures scheduled for 14th and 18th November.

His international commitments could delay his arrival at Old Trafford, although United are understood to be targeting an appointment during the November international break.

Liverpool Could Be Pochettino’s First Manchester United Opponent

Manchester United’s next Premier League fixture sees them travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday 22nd November, potentially providing Pochettino with his first match in charge.

The fixture would represent a significant challenge for the Argentine, with United looking to end their poor run of domestic results against one of their biggest rivals.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have recently climbed into the Premier League’s top four and will be looking to continue their strong run of form following the international break.

United then travel to Sporting CP in the Champions League on Wednesday 25th November before hosting Brentford at Old Trafford three days later.

Should negotiations with US Soccer take longer than expected, former United midfielder Darren Fletcher has reportedly been considered as a possible interim appointment.

For now, Carrick remains Manchester United manager, but the reported agreement with Pochettino represents a significant development in the club’s search for a potential replacement.

With United facing Liverpool in less than two weeks, the club’s hierarchy must decide whether Carrick will remain in charge or whether Pochettino will be tasked with improving their position in the Premier League.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Mauricio Pochettino agreed to become Manchester United manager?

Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement in principle with Mauricio Pochettino to become their next head coach. However, the appointment has not been officially confirmed, with Michael Carrick’s future still to be decided.

Has Michael Carrick been sacked by Manchester United?

As of Wednesday 11th November 2026, Manchester United have not officially announced Carrick’s dismissal. Senior officials are meeting Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco, with a decision expected following discussions about the club’s poor start to the season.

How much will Manchester United pay to appoint Mauricio Pochettino?

Reports suggest Manchester United would need to pay approximately £7 million to £7.5 million in compensation to release Pochettino from his contract with the United States national team. Additional compensation could be required for members of his coaching staff.

When could Mauricio Pochettino take charge of his first Manchester United match?

If appointed during the November international break, Pochettino could make his Manchester United managerial debut against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday 22nd November 2026. However, negotiations with US Soccer may affect the timing of his arrival.

Which other managers have been linked with the Manchester United job?

Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann have all been linked with the Manchester United managerial position. However, Pochettino has emerged as the leading candidate following reports of an agreement in principle with the club.