According to a report by the Evening Standard on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, Manchester United would have to pay £7.44 million to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their next manager following the emergence of a release clause in his contract with the United States national team.

The Argentine has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick, who is reportedly set to lose his position at Old Trafford following the club's disappointing performances this season.

Reports emerged on Monday evening that Manchester United had decided to sack Carrick, with the team struggling in the Premier League and sitting in the relegation zone.

With several first-team players currently away on international duty, the club is expected to begin preparations for appointing a new manager at their Carrington training ground.

According to ESPN, Pochettino is the preferred candidate among Manchester United's decision-makers, although securing his services will require a financial commitment.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager has been working with the United States national team since leaving Stamford Bridge in 2024.

Pochettino spent only one season at Chelsea before reaching an agreement to depart the Premier League club. He subsequently accepted the opportunity to lead the United States towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the country hosted alongside Canada and Mexico.

Although he was expected to leave the national team after the tournament, the 54-year-old signed a new contract in August to remain in charge until the 2030 World Cup.

However, Manchester United's interest could change his plans, with BBC Sport reporting that the Argentine is open to taking charge of the Premier League giants.

According to The Athletic, Pochettino's contract with the United States contains a buyout clause worth $10 million, approximately £7.44 million, which Manchester United could activate to secure his departure.

However, the financial arrangement does not cover the cost of bringing his coaching staff to Old Trafford.

Several members of his backroom team, including assistant coach Jesus Perez, have worked alongside the Argentine for much of his managerial career.

Pochettino is currently with the United States squad at their training centre in North Carolina ahead of two Concacaf Nations League quarter-final encounters against Haiti.

The first meeting is scheduled for Saturday, with the return fixture taking place next Tuesday.

He is also expected to address the media on Friday during his traditional pre-match press conference, amid growing speculation about his managerial future.