Manchester United in talks to appoint Mauricio Pochettino if Michael Carrick dismissed

Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle with Mauricio Pochettino to take over as head coach if Michael Carrick is dismissed. Carrick attended a training session at Carrington on Wednesday while United's executives discussed the potential appointment.

The club’s senior officials, including CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, are set to meet minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe at a summit in Monaco on Wednesday to review the season’s poor start and decide Carrick’s fate. United currently sit in the relegation zone after a historically weak opening to the league campaign.

Pochettino, who is under contract with the United States Soccer Federation, has a £7 million release clause that United consider manageable. He is due to coach the U.S. team in upcoming matches against Haiti, but discussions are ongoing to secure his release.

"He wants to work as the underdog. He is very good with players that are just underneath and want to improve and show how good they are," former Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld told Sky Sports.

United have previously explored Pochettino as a candidate on three occasions, most recently after Erik ten Hag’s appointment in 2022. Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed admiration for Pochettino in the past, and the Argentine manager is reported to be keen on returning to the Premier League after his stint with Chelsea.

The decision on Carrick is expected after the Monaco meeting, with United’s hierarchy needing to recommend a course of action to Ratcliffe, who oversees football operations at Old Trafford.