Mauricio Pochettino is edging closer to securing a deal to take charge as Manchester United’s next manager. Pochettino has a $10 million buy-out clause embedded in his contract with the U.S. Soccer Federation, and he is prepared to accept United’s offer.
United have now initiated talks with the U.S. Federation, though progress is unlikely until Michael Carrick’s situation is resolved.
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The United hierarchy are convening in Monaco, where they are anticipated to decide to part ways with Carrick before pushing forward with a move for Pochettino, who has emerged as their unanimous first choice, as per The Mirror.
-Credit:Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images
United chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe are deliberating over the club’s plans, leaving Carrick in limbo — he did turn up to the club’s training ground on Wednesday.
There is an additional complication for Pochettino, as the United States face a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Haiti over the coming week.
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This means an immediate announcement regarding Pochettino’s appointment is unlikely, though the U.S. Federation is fully aware of the interest from Old Trafford.
Pochettino, who has been connected with the United position on three separate occasions over the past 10 years, penned a new contract in August to remain at the helm through to 2030.
Argentine Pochettino performed admirably with the United States at the FIFA World Cup and persuaded the federation to hand him a new contract through to 2030 – but the former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager never concealed his ambition to return to club management down the line.
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That accounts for his buy-out clause in the contract, and United represents a tremendous attraction for Pochettino, who has a deep affinity for English soccer, enjoys life in England, and has found this particular opportunity impossible to turn down.
United sit 18th in the Premier League – firmly in the relegation zone – having won just one of their opening 10 games, with their last victory coming back in August. This represents United’s lowest standing at this point of a top-flight season since 1986-87, when they occupied 20th position.
It is understood that, while United considered other candidates, including Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, Pochettino commanded by far the strongest support, with the decision to pursue him set to be a unanimous one.
Reservations existed regarding all other potential candidates, and Pochettino’s style of play, personality, and charisma have also established him as an overwhelmingly popular choice among supporters.
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Despite the possibility that the coming days may be drawn out regarding Pochettino’s appointment, the expectation is that he will be installed as manager well ahead of United’s next fixture, which is at Liverpool on Sunday week.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
