Mauricio Pochettino to Manchester United? The $14.5m obstacle and Premier League history behind Old Trafford links
Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a leading candidate to replace embattled head coach Michael Carrick at struggling Premier League giants Manchester United, with reports suggesting the interest is mutual despite the Argentine's long-term commitment to the United States. United are considering another managerial change following their nightmare start to the Premier League season, with the Red Devils languishing in the relegation zone having won just one of their opening 10 matches in the top flight.
MAN UTD RELEGATION CRISIS:How did it get this bad, and could they really go down? There have been widespread reports that United are set to sack former United and England midfielder Carrick amid the club's worst start to a season in 40 years.
According to ESPN, ex-Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss Pochettino is the preferred candidate among United's hierarchy, while The Guardian reports Pochettino is interested in returning to Old Trafford - a job he has been linked with repeatedly. However, securing Pochettino's services would come at a significant cost to the 20-time English champions.
What are the latest Mauricio Pochettino-Manchester United reports? ESPN reports United's hierarchy - including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, CEO Omar Berrada and under-fire director of football Jason Wilcox, are discussing Carrick's future.
Pochettino is understood to be a leading option, with his Premier League experience and ability to develop young players appealing to the club. TalkSport's Alex Crook added that sources close to Pochettino confirmed the United job is the one "he has always coveted".
Former Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe, ex-Germany and Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann and Italian Antonio Conte are also among the names being considered. No final decision has been announced on Carrick's future, although it is widely anticipated that United could make a change before their clash with rivals Liverpool on November 23 (AEDT) following the international break.
What is Pochettino's USA contract and release clause? Pochettino signed a new contract with the United States Soccer Federation in August, extending his stay until the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
However, reports suggest the 54-year-old's agreement contains a release clause worth approximately US$10million ($14.5million AUD). That figure could increase if United also attempt to recruit his long-serving coaching staff, including assistant Jesus Perez.
ESPN has separately reported that the agreement allows Pochettino - who was heavily linked with AC Milan during the World Cup - to speak with certain European clubs. Pochettino's previous AC Milan links United are not the first European giants to pursue Pochettino during his time with the USA.