Manchester United prepared to trigger Mauricio Pochettino release clause

Manchester United are reportedly close to finalising the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager following a poor run of results in the Premier League. The team currently sit in the relegation places, a situation that appears to have cost Michael Carrick his job following a dramatic draw in their last game. As supporters look ahead to man united's next fixture, the club is preparing to pay the release clause required to secure the current USA national team coach.

Negotiations have been ongoing behind the scenes, with United attempting to arrange the transition discreetly before formally addressing Carrick's position. Sources close to the squad suggest that players feel Carrick was left exposed during the process. Meanwhile, Carrick has maintained his usual training routine at Carrington, turning up early despite intense speculation surrounding his future.

Mauricio Pochettino is close to becoming the new manager of Manchester United.

Dressing room tensions

The incoming manager will face significant challenges upon his arrival, most notably restoring unity within a divided dressing room. Reports indicate that tensions boiled over recently, with Youri Tielemans and Lisandro Martinez involved in a heated verbal exchange on a return flight from Madrid. The disagreement followed Martinez publicly criticising the club's hierarchy, while Tielemans declined to comment on the matter when questioned.

Before settling on Pochettino, the club considered alternative options, including Aston Villa boss Unai Emery. Several players had reportedly lobbied for Emery, who was at Old Trafford recently when his side drew in a match featuring a stoppage-time equaliser. However, with Villa unlikely to release their manager easily, United shifted their focus entirely to the former Tottenham and Chelsea boss.

Pochettino's arrival could be slightly delayed depending on his commitments with the USA national team, who face upcoming fixtures in the Concacaf Nations League quarter-final. Should he remain with the national squad for those matches, his debut in the United dugout is expected to come during an away trip to face Liverpool.

Why it matters

This managerial change marks a critical turning point for a struggling club sitting in the relegation zone. Restoring dressing room harmony and shifting the team's fortunes will be the primary test for the incoming leadership.