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Manchester United Reach Agreement in Principle With Mauricio Pochettino After Sacking Michael Carrick

Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement in principle with Mauricio Pochettino to become their next head coach, according to reports, hours after the club sacked Michael Carrick following the worst start to a season in 40 years. United still must settle compensation with U.S. Soccer, where Pochettino remains under contract through the 2030 World Cup.

By admin Nov. 12, 2026 · 8:47 AM ET 2 min read

Fans walk toward the turnstiles outside a large football stadium at dusk, with floodlights on.

Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement in principle with Mauricio Pochettino to become their next head coach, according to reports, hours after the club sacked Michael Carrick following the worst start to a season in 40 years.

Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that United had reached the agreement with Pochettino, the head coach of the United States men’s national team. The Athletic reported that United were working out personal terms with Pochettino’s representatives and that no problems were expected, though nothing had been signed.

Carrick, 45, was dismissed on Thursday, according to multiple reports. United sat 18th in the Premier League with one win from 10 league games, and the team had fallen into the relegation zone.

An empty football pitch under floodlights at night, with rows of empty seats in the stands.

A season that fell apart

Carrick was hired on a permanent basis in the summer after leading United to a third-place finish as interim coach. He had steadied the club after Ruben Amorim was sacked in January, but results fell away sharply this season. United lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth in late October, lost 2-0 at Chelsea, and twice trailed Aston Villa by two goals on Sunday before two stoppage-time goals rescued a 4-4 draw.

United have not won the league title since Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge in 2012-13. The club signed only three midfielders in the summer transfer window, and Carrick dropped captain Bruno Fernandes after the captain criticised his tactics during a 4-1 loss at Champions League debutants Como.

Soccer balls and orange training cones on a grass training pitch in morning light.

The deal still to be done

Pochettino, 54, signed a contract extension with U.S. Soccer three months ago that runs through the 2030 World Cup, and the BBC reported that the deal carries a $10 million release clause. TalkSPORT reported that the total package, including compensation for his coaching staff, would come to about $12 million.

The Athletic reported on Thursday morning that United had formally contacted U.S. Soccer about releasing him. Pochettino is with the United States squad in Atlanta preparing for a Nations League quarterfinal against Haiti, and reports said he was expected to take charge of those two games before moving to Old Trafford. TalkSPORT reported that he could be in the dugout when United return to action at Liverpool on November 22.

Supporters seen from behind holding scarves above their heads in a stadium stand at night.

Pochettino has managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea in the Premier League, and United have spoken to him about the job on three earlier occasions, in 2018, 2022 and 2024.

Reporting based on coverage by theScore, Sky Sports, talkSPORT, The Athletic and the BBC.

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