Manchester United Set to Appoint Mauricio Pochettino as New Manager

Mauricio Pochettino is expected to leave his position as head coach of the U.S. men's national team to become the new manager of Manchester United. The Argentine coach reportedly reached a verbal agreement on Wednesday to replace Michael Carrick following United's worst start to a season in 40 years.

Pochettino signed a contract extension with U.S. Soccer in August that runs through the 2030 World Cup. To terminate that deal, Manchester United would only need to trigger a buyout clause reportedly worth nearly $10 million. Bringing along his assistant coaches would cost millions more.

Pochettino is currently in camp with the USA team at U.S. Soccer's National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia. He is expected to remain on the U.S. sideline for at least two more matches, including the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti on Saturday in Miami and Tuesday in Cincinnati.

Manchester United have not yet officially fired Michael Carrick or made formal contact with U.S. Soccer regarding Pochettino's contract. The club has the rest of the international break to finalize a replacement before returning to action at Liverpool on November 22.

If Pochettino leaves, U.S. Soccer is expected to make Pep Guardiola a top target to replace him, according to The Athletic. Guardiola has had past conversations with the federation and has long been intrigued by the idea of working in the United States.

United have cycled through 11 managers, including caretakers, and have failed to win a single league title since Alex Ferguson's 2013 retirement. Pochettino is known for developing youth and inspiring players with high-intensity football, having taken Tottenham Hotspur to a Champions League final.