Man Utd prepare to announce Mauricio Pochettino after Michael Carrick sacking

Mauricio Pochettino’s move from the United States to Manchester United is set to be announced within the next 24 hours, with the US placing Pep Guardiola at the top of their wanted list to replace him.

United are working to finalise a deal to appoint Pochettino after sacking Michael Carrick on Thursday morning.

Pochettino’s employers at US Soccer are understood to accept he will leave after their two Nations League matches against Haiti this Saturday and next Tuesday, with United having to pay a release clause of 12 million US dollars (£9m) to buy Pochettino and his coaching staff out of their contracts.

Sources close to the US federation indicated there was a desire to provide clarity on Pochettino’s exit before his scheduled appearance before the media on Friday, but logistics may slow things down with president Cindy Cone and chief executive JT Batson en route to Atlanta.

Former Manchester City boss Guardiola, who is understood to have been a long-time target for US Soccer and was on their wanted list when Pochettino was appointed, is again the man the federation most wants to lead it into the next World Cup in 2030.

United will hope Pochettino can be the long-term solution they crave. Carrick led United to third place last season, having stepped in following Ruben Amorim’s acrimonious January exit, but the head coach has paid the price for overseeing the club’s worst start to a campaign since 1986.

Sunday’s wild 4-4 draw with Aston Villa leaves them in the relegation zone and the 18th-placed side are now working to wrap up a deal to bring Pochettino back to the Premier League.

Pochettino has spoken to United about the job on several occasions down the years, including in 2022 when the club instead turned to Erik ten Hag.

The Argentinian’s appointment may prove inspired, but the way Carrick’s exit has been handled has caused anger externally and within some parts of the club given his years of sterling service as a player and a coach.

A statement issued by United’s communications department said the club had come to the “extremely difficult conclusion” that a change was needed.

“Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend,” the statement continued.

“Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered.”

Carrick made 464 appearances during a medal-laden time as a United player and becomes the seventh permanent manager to be dismissed by the club since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

The former England midfielder oversaw just three wins from 15 matches in all competitions this season, with only one of those victories coming in the league.

The fans are putting unrelenting pressure on the club’s ownership and decision-makers, with calls for the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe to sell up going up a notch during last week’s Old Trafford games against Roma and Villa and a statement from the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) placing the blame for the club’s problems squarely on the owners.

Director of football Jason Wilcox has been roundly criticised for his role in the club’s decline and was the subject of a stinging public attack by defender Lisandro Martinez.

Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada took stock of the situation at the start of the November international break, just a fortnight on from deciding to give Carrick the chance to turn things around following the 4-1 Champions League loss at Como and 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.

United defender Harry Maguire paid tribute to Carrick in an Instagram post which read: “Will always be a legend. Respect. Thank you.”