Manchester United in talks to hire Mauricio Pochettino as head coach

Manchester United are said to be close to appointing Mauricio Pochettino as the club's next head coach, with a verbal agreement reportedly reached in principle. The Argentine, who currently leads the United States men's national team, would require the club to activate a $10 million (£7.44 million) buyout clause in his US Soccer contract, according to The Athletic. The clause does not extend to his coaching staff, many of whom have worked with him for most of his career.

Pochettino is expected to complete the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final against Haiti on Wednesday before joining United, leaving limited time before the Premier League match with Liverpool. Michael Carrick, who has been in charge on an interim basis since the 4-4 draw with Aston Villa that left United in the relegation zone, remains officially the manager but is likely to be dismissed later in the week, reports suggest. Club officials Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox are scheduled to meet co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco to discuss the change.

United have previously spent heavily on attacking players in 2025 and refreshed the midfield last summer, but the defence has been identified as an area needing further investment. The club's recent form, with only one win in the opening ten league matches, has intensified pressure for a managerial change.