Mauricio Pochettino is prepared to become Manchester United’s next head coach if the club formally offers him the position, as Michael Carrick faces the prospect of being sacked.
United have opened talks with the Argentine over a possible appointment, with Carrick expected to leave his position within the next 48 hours.
Sources have told BBC Sport that Pochettino wants to take charge at Old Trafford once Carrick’s future is settled. However, the 54-year-old intends to respect his existing commitments to the United States Soccer Federation and is waiting for an official approach from United.
The Premier League club would have to pay $10m (£7.5m) to release Pochettino from his contract with the US national team, which he signed in August.
The United States are scheduled to face Haiti in a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final over the next week.
Pochettino’s potential departure during the international camp could create complications, particularly if he leaves before the fixtures are completed.
Despite the timing concerns, the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager views the opportunity to lead Manchester United as a significant career move and is expected to accept if a formal offer arrives.
United have previously considered Pochettino for their managerial position on three occasions.
The first was in 2018, following Jose Mourinho’s dismissal. The club also considered him in 2022 before appointing Erik ten Hag and again in 2024 after the Dutchman’s departure.
Meanwhile, Carrick’s future will be discussed at a meeting in Monaco on Wednesday, involving United chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
