Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement in principle to hire United States national team manager Mauricio Pochettino as their next head coach, according to reports from Sky Sports and The Guardian. The framework deal comes as United prepare to move on from current manager Michael Carrick, though the appointment is not yet fully finalized.
Agreement reached ahead of Carrick departure
As reported by Sky Sports, Manchester United struck the verbal agreement with Pochettino as Carrick prepares to depart Old Trafford. The Guardian reports that United established the framework deal before completely settling Carrick's fate, with Pochettino expressing a clear desire to leave his role with the USA to take charge at Old Trafford.
Writing for The Athletic, David Ornstein reports that Manchester United are currently "finalising a deal" to hire the Argentine strategist, though he cautions that the process is not yet 100 percent complete. Multiple outlets, including NBC Sports, FOX Sports, and Yahoo Sports, confirmed that the club is closing in on contract terms pending the official resolution of Carrick's situation.
Board meeting and USMNT disruption
The timing of the move creates significant tension for U.S. Soccer. The Guardian notes that a Manchester United board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday to discuss the managerial transition. Meanwhile, Sports Business Journal highlights that the potential exit places the USMNT's current momentum at risk, even as FOX Sports reports that Pochettino is still expected to coach the USA in their upcoming fixture against Haiti.
"Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement in principle with Mauricio Pochettino to take over as head coach." — Sky Sports Transfer Centre
With USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams already weighing in on the speculation, media outlets such as The New York Times indicate that choosing between the U.S. national team job and Old Trafford may not represent much of a choice at all for Pochettino. Reports suggest United are targeting his leadership, tactical flexibility, and proven record of trusting youth to reshape the first-team squad.
Value and contract analysis
Because this potential move involves a head coaching position rather than a player transfer, traditional market value trajectories and transfer fees do not apply in the standard player sense. Compensation details and potential buyout terms between United and U.S. Soccer remain undisclosed in the initial reports. However, securing a coach of Pochettino's international stature without paying an exorbitant player-style transfer fee represents a strategic, high-profile move for United's leadership as they seek immediate tactical stability.
Reliability: 5/5 — This story carries maximum reliability, backed by concurring reports from tier-one outlets including David Ornstein of The Athletic, Sky Sports, and The Guardian confirming that verbal terms are agreed in principle.
Sources: This report draws on coverage by The Guardian, Sky Sports Transfer Centre, CaughtOffside, The New York Times, NBC Sports, Yahoo Sports, FOX Sports, Sports Business Journal. The wording is our own.
