Manchester United close on Mauricio Pochettino deal before settling Carrick’s fate

Manchester United are closing in on agreeing a deal for Mauricio Pochettino to become their head coach if Michael Carrick is sacked in line with the recommendation from Jason Wilcox, the director of football, and Omar Berrada, the chief executive, to Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Pochettino is the US men’s national team head coach but wants the United job if, as expected, Carrick is removed.

Wilcox and Berrada are meeting Ratcliffe in Monaco, where the minority owner will be informed that Carrick should lose his job. Ratcliffe controls United’s sporting policy.

There is a growing sense among United players that Carrick will be sacked, with their expectation being that Pochettino will replace him. Pochettino has managed in the Premier League with Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea.