Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement in principle with Mauricio Pochettino to become their next head coach, but the move is not yet done, with Michael Carrick still officially in charge at Old Trafford.

Sky Sports reports that Carrick took training on Wednesday and officially remains United boss.

He is not expected to be sacked on Wednesday but, following a meeting of the club’s hierarchy, is expected to be relieved of his duties in the coming days.

United’s decision-makers are meeting in Monaco, with the Guardian reporting that representatives of the majority-owning Glazer family will attend.

There is no confirmation that Avram Glazer has personally signed off on the appointment.

Pochettino, who is the US men’s national team coach, has a release clause in his contract reported at £7m, or about $10m, which is not thought to be an issue for the club.

David Ornstein of The Athletic reported that United are finalising a deal to appoint the 54-year-old if the ultimate decision is made to replace Carrick, with terms being done with Pochettino’s camp.

Fabrizio Romano says Pochettino wants the job and is the clear favourite.

Not everyone is impressed. Sky Sports chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol questioned why Carrick is being left to suffer in public when it is an open secret that he is leaving.

He also noted United would have spent more than £100m on hiring and firing managers since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.

Pochettino would become United’s fourth manager in three seasons.

United are 18th in the Premier League. They have approached Pochettino about the job before, most recently after Erik ten Hag was sacked in 2024.

Claims that Pochettino’s appointment is “done” and that Avram Glazer has approved it have not been confirmed by the club, and no official announcement had been made at the time of writing.

Until Carrick is formally dismissed and United announce a replacement, the situation remains fluid, with the club’s next move now closely awaited.

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