Manchester United’s next manager has seemingly been identified.
Multiple outlets have reported mutual interest between the club and longtime target Mauricio Pochettino, and with the news of Michael Carrick’s departure confirmed on Thursday it seems only a matter of time before an official announcement confirms the new boss.
Pochettino is still the manager of the United States men’s national team, and reportedly will oversee the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal tie against Haiti before leaving the post. He does have a significant buyout clause in his contract with the USMNT, though, which will add to the heavy spending of United when it comes to hiring and firing managers in recent years.
Pochettino’s release clause with the USMNT is set at $10 million, or around £7 million, that the club will need to pay to get him in the door ASAP. Reporting by The Athletic’s American soccer staff indicated that Pochettino’s staff would also be following him, with their release adding several millions more to the buyout.
The United States plays the first leg of its quarterfinal against Haiti on Saturday afternoon, followed by the second leg on Tuesday evening, meaning that even if Pochettino leaves directly from the final match, he wouldn’t be in Manchester until Wednesday morning.
Manchester United resumes play on Sunday, November 22 with an away match against Liverpool at Anfield, followed by a trip to face Sporting in the UEFA Champions League just three days later.
