Manchester United looks as though it will have a new manager in place when Liverpool hosts its rival after the international break, with a deal being finalized for Mauricio Pochettino
ST. PAUL, MN - OCTOBER 6: Mauricio Pochettino, Head Coach of the USA during a game between Canada and United States at Allianz Field on October 6, 2026 in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Manchester United is closing in on Mauricio Pochettino(Image: Getty Images)
Mauricio Pochettino looks as though he could be in charge of Manchester United when it visits Liverpool after the international break - even though Michael Carrick’s future has still not been decided.
The Reds will host their great rivals in their first game back following this month’s international fixtures, and the two sides couldn’t be much further apart in the table right now. While Andoni Iraola has his side sitting fourth in the Premier League, United lies in the relegation zone after just one win in its first 10 games.
Carrick’s position has been under scrutiny for weeks now amid seeming unrest in his squad, with Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez lashing out in recent interviews.
Reports this week have indicated that United is expected to fire Carrick, although as of Wednesday morning, there is still no decision on his future. Despite that, the Old Trafford club already looks to have landed on his replacement.
According to The Athletic, a deal is being finalized for Pochettino to become the club’s next head coach. Crucially though, it outlines that the deal will be completed IF Carrick is relieved of his duties.
United executives, including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are set to meet in Monaco on Wednesday, when Carrick’s future is likely to be discussed. The beleaguered coach took training on Tuesday, despite the growing speculation around his future.
Michael Carrick during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa FC at Old Trafford.
Manchester United still hasn't made a decision on Michael Carrick's future(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
Despite no decision having actually been made on whether Carrick will remain in charge, United is said to have been working on potential successors, with Pochettino emerging as the chosen candidate.
United is claimed to have spent Tuesday going through personal terms with the former Tottenham and Chelsea boss’ representatives, and no issues are expected on that front.
Pochettino’s current employers, the USMNT, are yet to have been contacted though, and it could prove to be an expensive process for United. The Argentine has an exit clause worth around $10 million, having only signed a new deal in August to take him through to the 2030 World Cup.
Content Image
Content Image
Not only that, but should the situation advance, United would have to pay further compensation in order to secure Pochettino’s backroom staff. They are currently preparing for two games during the international break, with the US set to take on Haiti on November 14 and November 18.
Whether that will impact on him taking charge against Liverpool remains to be seen, but as it stands, it seems United will have a new boss at Anfield.
Liverpool.com says: Even when it seems to be closing in on a new manager, United looks an absolute mess. How a decision has not been made on Carrick yet is staggering, and why the situation has been allowed to go this far is baffling.