Former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is open to taking charge at Manchester United, amid uncertainty around Michael Carrick’s future.
Mauricio Pochettino is open to a Manchester United move, with the 54-year-old emerging as a potential managerial candidate as the club prepares for another change in the dugout.
According to TEAMtalk, the Argentine manager is open to a return to Premier League management, although United have not made an official approach to him or his representatives. Intermediaries are understood to have explored the possibility with both parties, but no direct discussions have taken place.
Pochettino is currently managing the United States national team, having taken the job in 2024. Pochettino guided the team to the round of 16 at the World Cup, earning a new four-year contract through 2030.
However, his agreement reportedly contains a release clause that could allow him to return to European club football if the right opportunity emerges.
His name has entered the conversation as United increasingly prepare to part ways with Michael Carrick. The former midfielder’s position has come under serious pressure after the team managed just one victory in 10 Premier League matches. Despite a win against AS Roma and a draw against Aston Villa, the club’s hierarchy believes a change is now necessary.
United look set to replace Carrick
United are expected to discuss Carrick’s future at a meeting in Monaco on Tuesday, chaired by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada are due to attend, with an announcement potentially following once Carrick has been informed and work on identifying his replacement has progressed.
Wilcox is expected to lead the search, with several candidates already discussed, including Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte, Unai Emery, and Cesc Fabregas.
Pochettino came close to the job in 2022 before Erik ten Hag’s appointment. His Champions League experience at Tottenham, where he led the club to a final, combined with his credentials at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, positions him as a credible alternative to other shortlisted candidates.
For United, the reported release clause could provide a route to securing his services. For now, Pochettino remains focused on international duties; whether United trigger his release clause to pursue him will be interesting to see.
