Manchester United turn to Pochettino after Carrick dismissal
Manchester United identified a $10m release clause in Mauricio Pochettino's US national team contract before dismissing Michael Carrick, with the Argentine expected at Carrington on 19 November if he oversees the USA's second match against Haiti.
Manchester United moved for Mauricio Pochettino after identifying a $10m (£7m) release clause in his contract with the United States national team, according to BBC Sport. One source indicated it was representatives of the Argentine who alerted the Premier League club to the clause. On Wednesday, chief executive Omar Berrada contacted the US Soccer Federation to confirm the clause existed and United's intention to activate it. Those across the Atlantic were reportedly not surprised, as Pochettino had already told his employers about the discussions and his intention to return to the Premier League.
Michael Carrick's exit was signalled earlier in the week. On Monday, Carrick's agent was contacted by Berrada to say he and director of football Jason Wilcox would travel to Monaco for a planned meeting with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe that would include discussion of the head coach's future. A day later, Wilcox is believed to have held a similar conversation with Carrick. On both occasions it was communicated that a recommendation on his future would be made, though it is not clear whether Carrick knew that recommendation would be dismissal.
United placed huge importance on the three games against Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa following heavy defeats by Como and Bournemouth, and the leadership team made clear that results and performances needed to improve. A defeat, a win and a draw were not enough, with a feeling that there was insufficient progress, particularly in team structure, underlined by eight goals conceded. There is some regret behind the scenes that the process played out so publicly, but a sense United were as transparent with Carrick as possible.
Carrick leaves with his standing as a United great intact in the eyes of supporters, having conducted himself with dignity during the turmoil. Appointed initially on an interim basis after Ruben Amorim's sacking in January, he was praised for positive messaging, calm and protecting his players, and United won 12 of their last 17 matches last season. He earned a two-year permanent deal, with contractual protection for early termination, partly to give players managerial stability.
This season has spiralled, starting with defeat at newly promoted Hull City. United sit second bottom of the Premier League with just two wins and are 17th in the Champions League table. United want Pochettino in place quickly but are respectful of the USA's two fixtures against Haiti, the second on 18 November. If he takes charge of that game, he is expected at Carrington on 19 November, four days before United face Liverpool.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
