Manchester United are reportedly finalising an agreement to appoint United States men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager, with the proposed deal dependent on the departure of interim boss Michael Carrick.

According to a report by respected journalist David Ornstein, United have made significant progress in negotiations with the Argentine coach, with discussions over contract details already taking place.

Carrick, a former United midfielder, remains in charge and conducted a training session on Tuesday, but the club are reportedly preparing for another managerial change.

Any decision to dismiss him would require approval from the Glazer family and minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is currently meeting club executives in Monaco.

United had reportedly considered other candidates, including Antonio Conte, Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, before focusing their attention on Pochettino.

The 54-year-old, who previously managed Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the Premier League, is understood to be interested in returning to English football.

Although United are yet to formally approach the United States Soccer Federation over his proposed departure, Pochettino’s contract as USMNT head coach reportedly contains a $10 million (£7.5 million) release clause, which could facilitate his exit.

Pochettino’s most successful spell in English football came at Tottenham, whom he guided to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final. His reputation for developing young players, high-intensity football and strong man-management is believed to appeal to United.

His potential appointment would mark another major managerial transition at Old Trafford as the club seeks to restore its competitiveness at the highest level.

For the United States, however, losing Pochettino would represent a significant setback, with the Argentine having been appointed to lead the national team’s development and ambitions on the international stage.

No official announcement has been made by Manchester United or the United States Soccer Federation.

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