Manchester United have reached a final agreement with Mauricio Pochettino to take charge of the club after Michael Carrick was dismissed following a disastrous start to the season.
The Argentine is expected to be officially announced as the club’s new manager on Friday, according to British newspaper The Sun.
Pochettino has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract, while Manchester United have accepted a £7.4m financial clause to release him from his agreement with the United States national team.
The 54-year-old is expected to be in charge for Manchester United’s next match against Liverpool on 22 November, after the international break.
Despite reaching an agreement with the club, Pochettino will continue his duties with the United States for the time being. He is expected to lead the team in their two CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti.
The first leg will be played on Saturday, with the return match scheduled for Tuesday. Pochettino will then travel to Manchester to begin his new role.
Pochettino set for Premier League return
Pochettino took charge of the United States two years ago and guided them to the last 16 of the most recent World Cup, hosted by the country during the summer.
The appointment will mark his return to the Premier League, where he has previously managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea.
He developed extensive experience in English football during successful spells with Southampton and Tottenham before taking charge of Chelsea.
Carrick dismissed after poor start
Manchester United decided to part company with Carrick after a disastrous opening to the campaign left the club in the relegation zone.
The team recorded only one victory in their first 10 Premier League matches, alongside four defeats, leaving them among the bottom three sides.
The club nevertheless paid tribute to Carrick and his contribution, describing him as a Manchester United legend both as a former player and during his most recent coaching role.
“Michael Carrick is a Manchester United legend and will always be one,” the club said in a statement released on Thursday. “As he did as a player, he showed the highest levels of dedication and professionalism throughout his return to the club.”
The statement added: “His leadership and achievements during last season will always be appreciated and valued.”
Carrick was seen travelling to Manchester United’s training ground at Carrington on Thursday morning for the final time.
According to the report, he arrived at 07:50 and left at 10:15, only a few minutes before the club formally announced his dismissal.
His final match as Manchester United manager ended in a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday. The result left the club in the relegation places and increased the pressure on Carrick.
