Manchester United agree two-and-a-half-year deal with Mauricio Pochettino

Manchester United have reached a final agreement with Mauricio Pochettino to become their manager after the dismissal of Michael Carrick.

The Argentine is set to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract, with the club agreeing to pay the £7.4m compensation fee required to release him from his contract with the United States national team, according to The Sun on Friday.

Manchester United are expected to confirm Pochettino’s appointment officially today.

The 54-year-old is expected to take charge for the first time against Liverpool on 22 November, after the international break.

Pochettino will nevertheless continue with his current role for the time being. He is expected to lead the United States in their two CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti, with the first leg on Saturday and the return match on Tuesday.

He will then travel to Manchester to begin his new job.

Pochettino returns to Premier League

Pochettino became manager of the United States two years ago and guided them to the last 16 of the most recent World Cup, hosted by the country during the summer.

His appointment at Manchester United will mark a return to the Premier League, where he has previously managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea.

The 54-year-old has extensive experience in English football, having enjoyed successful spells with Southampton and Tottenham before taking charge of Chelsea.

Carrick dismissed after poor start

Manchester United dismissed Carrick following a disastrous start to the season that left the club in the relegation zone.

They recorded only one victory in their opening 10 Premier League matches, alongside four defeats, leaving them in one of the bottom three places.

Despite the decision, the club paid tribute to Carrick’s contribution and stressed his status as a Manchester United legend, both as a former player and during his latest coaching role.

“Michael Carrick is a Manchester United legend and always will be,” the club said in a statement on Thursday. “As he did as a player, he showed the utmost dedication and professionalism throughout his return to the club.”

The statement added: “His leadership and achievements during last season will always be appreciated and cherished.”

Carrick was seen travelling to Manchester United’s training ground at Carrington on Thursday morning for the final time. He arrived at 07:50 and left at 10:15, only a few minutes before the club formally announced his dismissal.

His final match in charge ended in a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday. The result left Manchester United in the relegation places and increased the pressure on the manager.