Manchester United’s board is preparing a decisive move that could reshape the club’s future. A framework agreement has been reached with Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino, who will take over as head coach if Michael Carrick is dismissed. The decision follows a recommendation from the club’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, and chief executive Omar Berrada to owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Wilcox and Berrada are scheduled to meet Ratcliffe in Monaco, where the minority owner will be briefed on the need to terminate Carrick’s contract. Ratcliffe, who holds the reins of United’s sporting policy, is expected to approve the change at a board meeting on Wednesday. The meeting will also involve one or more of the Glazer siblings, the majority owners, who will weigh in on the final decision.
Pochettino, currently the United States men’s national team coach, signed a contract that runs until 2030. He has previously managed in the Premier League with Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, and has expressed a strong desire to take the helm at Old Trafford. His contract includes a release clause of approximately $10 million (£7.5 million). However, the club may need to pay more if Pochettino brings his long‑time assistant Jesús Pérez and other staff.
United’s performance under Carrick has been a source of concern. The 45‑year‑old manager has overseen a disastrous start to the season, with the club sitting in 18th place and in the relegation zone. He has won only one league game—against Ipswich in August—and three matches in all competitions. The team was also eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Brighton in September.
Players at the club have sensed the impending change, with many expecting Carrick’s dismissal and Pochettino’s arrival. The announcement is anticipated to follow the board meeting, after Ratcliffe’s approval.
Meanwhile, Pochettino is set to lead the United States in upcoming Concacaf Nations League fixtures against Haiti on Saturday and Wednesday in Miami and Cincinnati, respectively. These matches mark the first competitive games of the 2030 World Cup qualifying cycle.
Source: The Guardian World
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