Man United face final hurdle to close deal for Mauricio Pochettino as new manager

Pochettino to replace Carrick at Old Trafford; US Soccer compensation of £5.3m required, with deal expected before Liverpool match on 22 November.

Manchester United are closing in on appointing Mauricio Pochettino as manager to replace Michael Carrick, with the club currently in the relegation zone. The main hurdle is securing Pochettino's release from his role as US national team coach, which runs until the 2030 World Cup.

Compensation worth an initial $7m (£5.3m) will be required due to a clause in Pochettino's contract, with additional fees needed for his coaching staff including long-time assistant Jesus Perez. US Soccer are currently planning for Pochettino to manage both Concacaf Nations League fixtures against Haiti on 14 and 18 November, though United will push for his earlier release ahead of their Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield on 22 November.

Pochettino had committed to a four-year build with the US towards the 2030 World Cup following an unsuccessful home World Cup campaign this summer. However, in a recent interview, he acknowledged that a four-year commitment is "different" and suggested he could reconsider if approached by a club, despite previously stating such a move would be "impossible".