Manchester United have reached an ‘agreement in principle’ with Mauricio Pochettino for him to become the next manager.

That’s according to Alex Crook, who adds that the ‘next step’ is for INEOS to activate the Argentine’s release clause – believed to be in the region of around £7 million.

Mauricio Pochettino: The state of play

While talks have taken place between the United board and Pochettino, Michael Carrick actually remains in the job as things stand.

Remarkably, he even took Tuesday’s training session at Carrington, despite INEOS being on the verge of relieving him of his duties.

When United claimed a crucial point from their final match before the international break – a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa – it raised questions as to whether it would be enough to keep the former Red safe for the next fortnight.

However, as the side will also be spending that time sat in the relegation zone on just eight points, it looks as though Carrick’s opportunities to turn things around have now run out.

How has Pochettino fared?

Pochettino has emerged as the first-choice candidate this week, despite United being heavily linked with Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, both of whom are free agents, over the last couple of months.

The 54-year-old was at the helm when Tottenham Hotspur recorded their highest-ever Premier League finish of second in 2016/2017, while he also led them to the Champions League final in 2019.

He spent a season with Chelsea in 2023/2024 and finished sixth, before mutually agreeing to leave upon the culmination of the campaign.

During his 18-month tenure at Paris Saint-Germain, he won the Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophée des Champions.