Once known as one of the most dominant clubs in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, Manchester United are currently in a sinking boat. Currently ranked 18th in the table and in the relegation zone, Manchester United are in dire need of a managerial change.

Having won just one out of their ten league games, “Red Devil” fans across the world believe they need to replace Michael Carrick as United's manager as soon as possible. With several potential choices for a new manager, ESPN recently reported that discussions on whether to fire Carrick are still ongoing. However, a sense of “acceptance” that a new manager is required has also emerged.

According to ESPN, candidates said to be under consideration include former Newcastle coach Eddie Howe, ex-Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, and former Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna. However, Mauricio Pochettino, who managed Tottenham, PSG, and Chelsea prior to accepting the USMNT role in 2024, is said to have become a frontrunner for the role.

Article Continues Below

According to The Athletic, Pochettino currently has a release clause of $10million. And as per their sources, Manchester United are also expected to spend a few more million to buy out Pochettino’s assistants. The report by The Athletic also noted that meetings have taken place behind closed doors, where succession plans are ready, and has put Pochettino in front of the candidates list.

Pochettino was last seen in the Premier League in 2024 with Chelsea, where he managed the team for 51 games, winning 27 and losing 14. Before Chelsea, the Argentine also managed PSG for 18 months, but is mostly known for his successful five-year spell with Tottenham Hotspur, where he won 160 of his 293 games. However, Pochettino joining Manchester United is not yet confirmed and is just reports and speculation.