RismadarVoice Reporters
November 12, 2026
Manchester United are closing in on the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach after informing the United States Soccer Federation of their intention to activate his contractual release clause.
The Argentine manager, currently in charge of the United States men’s national team, has reportedly agreed to the framework of a deal that would see him return to Premier League management.
According to BBC Sport’s senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel, Pochettino has expressed his desire to take charge at Old Trafford, with negotiations between United and US Soccer progressing towards completion.
United are expected to pay approximately $10 million (£7.5 million) to secure the release of the 54-year-old from his existing contract.
The development follows the dismissal of Michael Carrick on Thursday after a disappointing start to the season left Manchester United 18th in the Premier League.
Carrick’s departure came after a review of the team’s performances by the club’s leadership, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.
Pochettino is expected to remain in charge of the United States national team for its two upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti.
The fixtures are scheduled for November 14 and November 17, after which the former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager could travel to Manchester to begin his new assignment.
Reports indicate that Pochettino could conduct his first training session at United’s Carrington training complex on November 18 or 19.
If the appointment is completed as anticipated, his first competitive match could be against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
Pochettino previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea before taking charge of the United States national team in 2024.
He subsequently signed a contract extension with US Soccer in August 2026, although the agreement reportedly included a clause permitting his departure for a major European club.
His anticipated appointment would mark another managerial change at Old Trafford as United attempt to reverse their poor league form.
However, despite reports of an agreement in principle, the club has not yet formally announced Pochettino as its new head coach.
Final confirmation remains subject to the completion of contractual arrangements and the release process with US Soccer.
