Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal with Mauricio Pochettino to become head coach should they decide to dismiss Michael Carrick. A Monaco summit on Wednesday is expected to settle the matter, with the club in the relegation zone after their worst start to a league campaign for 40 years. According to Skysports.com.
Monaco summit looms over Carrick as United line up Pochettino as successor
CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox had already been due to meet minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to review the club’s start to the season. Carrick’s position is now expected to be decided there, with Berrada and Wilcox making a recommendation to Ratcliffe, who has control of football operations at Old Trafford.
Carrick was handed a stay of execution after a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League last month, but momentum is now gathering behind a change in the dugout. United are in the relegation zone, and Carrick’s future is increasingly in doubt heading into the meeting.
Pochettino, who currently manages the USA, is understood to be ready if United ultimately decide to change head coach, which remains likely. It is understood United would have to pay around £7m to buy him out of his newly-signed USA contract, although this is not thought to be an issue for the club.
Carrick reported to Carrington at around 7.45am on Wednesday, before it emerged that talks with Pochettino are advanced. While he is in Manchester, United’s powerbrokers are set to make a decision on his future in Monaco. As things stand, Pochettino is set to take charge of the USA against Haiti on Saturday.
Pochettino has long been admired by United, who have held talks with the Argentine on at least two occasions about taking over. The next fixtures for whoever is in the dugout are Liverpool away in the Premier League on Sunday November 22 and Sporting away in the Champions League on Wednesday November 25.
