Mauricio Pochettino poised to agree two-and-a-half-year Manchester United contract

Manchester United are set to agree a two-and-a-half-year contract with Mauricio Pochettino to succeed Michael Carrick as head coach.

An announcement could come as early as Friday afternoon, with Pochettino due to hold a press conference at 2.15pm Irish time ahead of the United State’s Nations League tie against Haiti on Saturday.

Just three months ago, Pochettino signed a contract extension to remain as US head coach through to 2030.

The Argentinian is set to take charge for the two Nations League quarter-final ties against Haiti on Saturday and Tuesday before heading to Manchester.

US Soccer is understood to have accepted Pochettino’s decision to step down as national head coach, with the federation to receive $10 million (€9.1 million) in compensation, and a further $2 million (€1.8 million) for the departure of his coaching team.

US Soccer president Cindy Cone and chief executive JT Batson were understood to be travelling to the national team’s base in Atlanta on Thursday.

The federation is understood to have placed former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola at the top of its list to replace Pochettino having made several previous attempts to recruit the Spaniard.

Pochettino inherits a United side languishing in 18th place. One early issue he may have to wrestle with could be the future of United captain Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese midfielder is understood to have rejected a second contract offer, however, club insiders view that as a normal part of contract negotiations.

The Red Devils also have an option to extend his deal to the summer of 2028, meaning he would not be free to talk to other clubs in January.

United’s first match after the international break will be against Liverpool on November 22nd.