Manchester United Line Up New Manager After Sacking Michael Carrick

• Manchester United have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Mauricio Pochettino, with a £7m release clause and upcoming USA fixtures still to factor into the move.

Manchester United have lined up United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino to replace Michael Carrick after reportedly reaching a verbal agreement with the Argentine on Wednesday.

United said they intend to appoint a permanent successor “as quickly as possible”. The club has yet to formally announce Pochettino’s appointment.

The £7m clause and Pochettino’s USA commitments

Pochettino’s recently signed contract with the United States reportedly contains a £7m release clause. Talks with the United States Soccer Federation are expected to gather pace in the coming days.

Under the proposed timetable, Pochettino would remain in charge of the USA for their two Nations League matches against Haiti on Saturday and Wednesday before potentially starting work at United the following Thursday.

United return to a familiar candidate

United have considered Pochettino for the job on three previous occasions. The former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain coach would become the club’s eighth permanent managerial appointment since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

If the move is completed, Pochettino will inherit a team in the Premier League relegation zone after one win in their opening 10 league matches.