Mauricio Pochettino to Manchester United latest: £7.4m clause, verbal agreement and transfer targets

Detailed summary

Major developments at Old Trafford, with Mauricio Pochettino poised to replace Michael Carrick

Manchester United headed into the final international break of the year with uncertainty over the managerial position, though the next few days are set to prove crucial.

Michael Carrick was left on the brink following Man Utd’s 4-4 draw at home to Aston Villa at the weekend, a result that leaves the side in the Premier League relegation zone after one win from the opening 10 matches.

In a surprising turn of events, Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the leading contender to replace Carrick at Old Trafford, and it would appear things is gathering pace for some major announcements in the coming hours and days.

According to The Athletic, Pochettino’s representatives spent Tuesday discussing personal terms with Manchester United officials, with no major obstacles expected and a final agreement expected.

It has since been reported that United have reached a verbal agreement in principle with Pochettino to take over as head coach, though the Argentine is likely to remain in charge of USA’s CONCACAF Nations League two-legged quarter-final against Haiti.

The second of those ties is in the early hours on Wednesday, November 18 (UK time) which would not give Pochettino too much time with the Man United squad ahead of the Premier League showdown against Liverpool.

For Man Utd to appoint Pochettino, it will not be a cheap deal. This is because the Argentine signed a new contract with US Soccer in August to continue in his role as USMNT manager.

According to The Athletic, there is a buyout clause in Pochettino’s contract worth $10million (£7.44million) which Man Utd can trigger to bring back him to England.

However, the buyout clause does not cover Pochettino’s coaching staff, many of who - such as assistant Jesus Perez - has been with him most the majority of his career.

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