Manchester United 'agree two-and-a-half-year deal with Mauricio Pochettino'

Manchester United and Mauricio Pochettino have agreed a deal for him to take over as head coach with the team in the Premier League's relegation zone.

Pochettino is poised to sign a two-and-half-year contract at Old Trafford after the club sacked Michael Carrick on Thursday, Sky Sports News reported.

The Argentine's move from the US is expected to be formally announced on Friday.

Pochettino - who has a £7m release clause in his USA contract - is set to be United's eighth permanent appointment since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

The 54-year-old will take charge of the side after overseeing the USA's two Nations League matches against Haiti this Saturday and next Tuesday.

His first game in charge of United will be the trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on 22 November.

Carrick's exit followed the side's worst start to a Premier League season, securing just one win in 10 games.

Sunday's 4-4 draw with Aston Villa, which saw United score twice in stoppage time, leaves them 18th in the Premier League table.

Shortly after Carrick left the training ground on Thursday morning, United said they had come to the "extremely difficult conclusion" that a change was needed.

"Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend," the club said.

"Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered."

He was initially appointed as United boss in January 2026 on a contract until the end of the season after Ruben Amorim was sacked earlier in that campaign.

Carrick delivered a good run of results, with United winning 12 out of 17 matches to earn a third-place finish in the Premier League and a return to the Champions League.

He was nominated for Premier League Manager of the Season and, on 22 May, signed a new contract running to 2028.

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But the former England midfielder, who made 464 appearances during a medal-laden 12-years as a United player, oversaw just three wins from 15 matches in all competitions this season, costing him his job.

United defender Harry Maguire paid tribute to Carrick in an Instagram post: "Will always be a legend. Respect. Thank you."

(c) Sky News 2026: Manchester United 'agree two-and-a-half-year deal with Mauricio Pochettino'