Pochettino Favored to Manage United

Beirut – AFP – Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino appears to be the favorite to succeed Michael Carrick as manager of English football club Manchester United, amid the club’s move to sack its current manager following a disastrous start to the season, according to ESPN, citing sources.

United managed only one victory in their first ten Premier League matches, leaving them in the relegation zone, specifically in 18th place on goal difference ahead of 19th-placed Sunderland and one point ahead of last-placed Crystal Palace.

Pochettino, 54, extended his contract with the United States national team until 2030 after leading them to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

A source told ESPN that the former manager of English clubs Tottenham and Chelsea, as well as French side Paris Saint-Germain, has a clause allowing him to terminate his contract with the US national team for a fee of $10 million (£7.4 million), which Manchester United would need to pay to secure his services.

Former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is among the names admired by United officials. German coach Julian Nagelsmann, who is currently without a club, is also listed as a candidate, alongside Kieran McKenna, with whom the club held talks for the position in 2024 and who has supporters inside Old Trafford, according to ESPN.

However, Pochettino, who has interviewed for the United job on three previous occasions, is considered the frontrunner due to his Premier League experience and personality.

Carrick took charge of the Red Devils on an interim basis midway through last season, guiding them to qualification for the Champions League, which prompted the club’s management to appoint him as permanent manager.

ESPN sources said the club’s board believed Carrick deserved a long-term contract, but officials were shocked by the sharp decline in performance and results this season.