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11/11 09:04 CST Source: Man United does 'due diligence' on Pochettino becoming
its next coach
Source: Man United does 'due diligence' on Pochettino becoming its next coach
By JAMES ROBSON
AP Soccer Writer
MANCHESTER, England (AP) --- Manchester United is working on a potential deal
to have U.S. men's team coach Mauricio Pochettino to replace Michael Carrick,
who is under pressure after a dismal start to the season, a source with
knowledge of the situation said Wednesday.
United is in 18th place in the Premier League standings after 10 rounds, the
club's worst start in the modern era.
Pochettino is a candidate to succeed Carrick, even though the 54-year-old
Argentine is under contract with the U.S. team through the 2030 World Cup.
A person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that
preparations to appoint Pochettino had been carried out as a matter of "due
diligence." The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because no final
decision has been made on Carrick's future.
Julian Nagelsmann, Eddie Howe and Antonio Conte have also been reported to be
options in recent weeks.
A decision was widely expected after a reported meeting scheduled in Monaco on
Wednesday, where minority owner Jim Ratcliffe is based.
It is not uncommon for clubs to weigh up potential candidates and reach out to
intermediaries before deciding to fire a coach.
Pochettino, who has previously coached Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea in
the Premier League, took over the U.S. team in October 2024 and led it to the
round of 16 at this year's World Cup.
He was a leading candidate for United in 2022 when Erik ten Hag was ultimately
hired.
Pochettino won the French title with Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, but arguably
his greatest achievement was turning Tottenham into a serial title contender in
the Premier League and also leading the London club to the Champions League
final in 2019.
He has never won a major trophy in England, most recently losing the final of
the English League Cup with Chelsea in 2024.
Pochettino has often spoken of his love for the Premier League and retains a
home in London.
Carrick, who said Sunday that he would not walk away from the job, was due to
lead training Wednesday despite increased speculation over his position.
United opted against firing him last month, deciding to give him time to turn
around a wretched start to the season, but Sunday's 4-4 draw with Aston Villa
left the 20-time English champion in the relegation zone with just one win from
10 games.
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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson
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See AP's full soccer coverage here
