By Wasila Yakubu
Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly prepared to take charge of Manchester United, with the Argentine manager emerging as a leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick amid growing uncertainty over the Englishman's position at Old Trafford.
United have reportedly initiated discussions with Pochettino as the club considers another change in its managerial structure following a disappointing run of results.
The 54-year-old is understood to be interested in the opportunity and willing to accept an offer from the Premier League side. However, he is expected to wait for an official approach from United to avoid jeopardising his existing relationship with the United States Soccer Federation, where he currently serves as head coach.
A potential appointment could come with a significant financial commitment, as United would reportedly need to pay around $10 million (£7.5 million) to secure his release from his contract, which was renewed in August.
The timing also presents a challenge for Pochettino, with the United States preparing for a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Haiti. Any formal approach from Manchester United could therefore place the Argentine in a difficult position as he balances his international responsibilities with the prospect of returning to club management.
Pochettino has been linked with the Old Trafford job on several previous occasions, including after Jose Mourinho's departure in 2018, ahead of Erik ten Hag's appointment in 2022, and following the Dutchman's dismissal in 2024.
Meanwhile, Carrick's future is expected to be discussed at a meeting in Monaco involving United chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Berrada and Wilcox are reportedly expected to push for Carrick's departure following the club's poor start to the Premier League season.
United have managed just one victory in their opening 10 league matches and currently occupy 18th position, leaving them inside the relegation zone. The situation represents the club's worst position at this stage of a top-flight campaign since the 1986-87 season, when they were 20th.
Carrick, 45, was seen arriving at United's Carrington training complex on Wednesday as uncertainty surrounding his future continued.
Pochettino brings considerable Premier League experience, having previously managed Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur. His spell at Tottenham included leading the London club to the 2019 Champions League final.
He subsequently managed Paris Saint-Germain before taking charge of Chelsea during the 2023-24 campaign.
The Argentine was appointed United States head coach in September 2024 and guided the country, one of the 2026 World Cup co-hosts, to the tournament's last 16.
With United weighing another managerial overhaul, Pochettino could finally have the opportunity to take charge at Old Trafford after years of speculation linking him with the position.
Wasila Yakubu
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