Man Utd make formal contact with US Soccer over Mauricio Pochettino

Manchester United have made formal contact with US Soccer about Mauricio Pochettino and must activate a $10m (£7.5m) Pochettino release clause to free him, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Earlier on Wednesday, The Athletic reported that United had agreed terms with the Argentine’s camp but had not yet spoken to the federation. That step has now been taken, and the 54-year-old’s appointment looks close.

Ornstein posted on X that the clause must be triggered, with an extra payment for his staff. The story was written by The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell and Adam Crafton.

Fabrizio Romano posted that United have verbally agreed terms in principle with Pochettino to become head coach. He said negotiations with the US federation are continuing, with formal steps still to come before his trademark “here we go”.

Pochettino release clause and staff costs

BBC Sport says United would need to pay $10m (£7.5m) to release Pochettino from the contract he signed in August. That deal was due to run until the 2030 World Cup. It is a modest fee by Premier League standards.

The bill will rise if he brings his backroom team. The Guardian reported that this would include Jesús Pérez, who has worked alongside him for 16 years. United appear ready to cover the extra cost.

What about the USA’s Haiti games?

The timing is awkward for the USA. They face Haiti in a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final. The first leg is at Nu Stadium in Miami on Saturday 14 November, and the second is at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Tuesday 17 November.

According to Ornstein, United are relaxed about Pochettino taking charge of both games. BBC Sport says US Soccer has a contingency plan, including a succession plan, and that Pochettino wants to stay respectful to the federation throughout. The Athletic has reported that the federation would make Pep Guardiola its top target if Pochettino leaves.

Michael Carrick waits on his fate

Carrick is still in the job for now, but every report points the same way. BBC Sport said he was expected to be relieved of his duties within 48 hours, with his future decided at a meeting in Monaco.

That meeting was due to involve chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. United have not announced any decision on Carrick, and no appointment has been confirmed.

The Guardian reported that United already had a framework agreement with Pochettino to become head coach if Carrick is sacked. It said Wilcox and Berrada had recommended the change to Ratcliffe. Formal contact with US Soccer is the clearest sign yet that the club is ready to act.

United are 18th in the Premier League and in the relegation zone. Catch up on Ornstein’s report on Carrick’s future, how Man Utd moved to finalise the Pochettino deal, and Harry Kane’s verdict on his former Spurs boss.

A long pursuit of Pochettino

BBC Sport notes United spoke to Pochettino about the job three times before: in 2018, 2022 and 2024. Each time they went another way. They kept Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2018, appointed Erik ten Hag in 2022 and stuck with Ten Hag in 2024.

If the final steps are completed, the former Tottenham and Chelsea boss will take over a side in the bottom three. Read our analysis of what Pochettino would change at Man Utd, and for all the latest, head to our Premier League news hub.

Pochettino release clause FAQ

How much is Pochettino’s release clause?
BBC Sport says United would need to pay $10m (£7.5m), with an extra payment for his staff.

Will Pochettino manage the USA against Haiti?
According to Ornstein, United are relaxed about him taking charge of both legs, on 14 and 17 November.

Have Man Utd sacked Michael Carrick?
Not yet. United have not announced a decision on Carrick or confirmed a new appointment.