Pochettino Emerges as Manchester United’s Next Manager

Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the leading candidate to take charge of Manchester United after Michael Carrick was dismissed. The current United States national team coach has agreed to replace him, following a late rise in his prospects for the job.

The Glazer family stepped in to back Pochettino over Eddie Howe, who had been favored by director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada. The family was alarmed by the club’s decline and determined to install Pochettino.

Carrick had been given matches against Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa after heavy defeats to Como and Bournemouth, but the results were not enough to keep him in the role beyond the international break. United had also considered other potential hires, including Unai Emery, Fabian Hurzeler, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann.

The choice has raised questions about the influence of Wilcox and Berrada. Sir Jim Ratcliffe took responsibility for United’s football operations after buying a minority stake in 2023, with the two executives assisting him. Pochettino’s appointment would require United to pay US Soccer £7.5 million in compensation, despite his contract being due to expire in August.