Manchester United Seek to Finalize Mauricio Pochettino Agreement on Thursday

Manchester United intend to trigger a $10 million release clause to hire Mauricio Pochettino following the dismissal of Michael Carrick.

Manchester United expect to reach an agreement with Mauricio Pochettino on Thursday, sources told ESPN, as the club moves to trigger a $10 million (£7m) release clause in his U.S. Soccer Federation contract. The 54-year-old manager is slated to replace Michael Carrick, who was dismissed Thursday morning at Carrington by CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. Carrick departs with the club positioned 18th in the Premier League, having secured only one league victory throughout the current campaign.

Following positive discussions between Berrada and the U.S.S.F. on Wednesday, United informed the federation of their intent to meet the buyout figure once personal terms are settled. While Pochettino signed a four-year extension with the U.S. in August after a World Cup round-of-16 finish, his representatives reportedly initiated contact with United regarding the exit clause. The club remains open to the former Argentina defender overseeing the U.S. National Team’s upcoming two-match series against Haiti during the international break.

United officials anticipate Pochettino’s arrival at the training ground by Nov. 18, coinciding with the return of the squad's international contingent. If the timeline holds, his inaugural match in charge will take place against Liverpool at Anfield on Nov. 22. The final logistics regarding his transition from the U.S.S.F. role are currently being negotiated between the manager and federation leadership.