Manchester United face $10m hurdle as Pochettino nears deal

$10 million is the amount Manchester United would need to pay the U.S. Soccer Federation to free Mauricio Pochettino from his United States men’s national team contract, a verbal agreement that hinges on the club moving on from Michael Carrick. What this means for the Red Devils and the USMNT is now intertwined.

The story is still developing, with updates expected throughout the morning. Pochettino is due to take charge of USMNT training today while Carrick led a Manchester United session. MORE information will be released as the story unfolds.

Beyond the $10 million, additional funds would be required to release Pochettino’s staff. David Ornstein of The Athletic notes Manchester United have not yet contacted U.S. Soccer, although Pochettino has kept the federation in the loop.

Upcoming international fixtures

adds that the timing of Pochettino’s release is uncertain because the United States have CONCACAF Nations League quarter‑final ties with Haiti in the coming week. The USMNT face Haiti in Miami on Saturday before a second‑leg clash in Cincinnati on Tuesday.

In a recent fall camp, Pochettino appointed Tyler Adams as captain, leaving out star Christian Pulisic. Pulisic has now returned to the squad, yet Pochettino appears set to depart days after the reunion.

Carrick’s continued involvement in United training is unusual, and reports stress the Red Devils must part ways with him for the agreement to proceed. Such pre‑announcement arrangements are rare, as clubs typically dismiss managers before making deals public.