For Mauricio Pochettino, Manchester United has been a familiar name in managerial conversations over the years. The Argentine coach has repeatedly been linked with the Old Trafford job, but despite the interest, an appointment has remained out of reach.
Now, as United consider another change in the dugout, the 54-year-old appears closer than ever to taking charge of the English giants.
Reports on Wednesday, November 11, indicate that United have reached a verbal agreement in principle with Pochettino to become their next head coach if Michael Carrick is dismissed. However, no official announcement has been made, and Carrick’s future remains subject to a decision by the club’s leadership.
The latest development has revived memories of previous occasions when United considered bringing Pochettino to Old Trafford.
1. 2022: Pochettino loses out to Erik ten Hag
One of the clearest opportunities came in 2022, when Manchester United were searching for a permanent successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Pochettino, then managing Paris Saint-Germain, was among the leading candidates for the position. His experience in the Premier League, particularly his work at Tottenham Hotspur, made him an attractive option.
However, United eventually settled on Erik ten Hag, who had impressed at Ajax. Pochettino left PSG that year after an 18-month spell in which he won domestic honours, while Ten Hag took charge at Old Trafford.
According to reports, Pochettino was among the final candidates considered before United made their decision.
2. 2024: United consider Pochettino before retaining Ten Hag
The Argentine emerged as a candidate again in 2024 when United were assessing their managerial options following an underwhelming campaign under Ten Hag.
Pochettino was available after leaving Chelsea by mutual consent at the end of the 2023/24 season.
United reportedly held discussions with several potential candidates, including Pochettino, as the club weighed whether to make a change.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s position, United eventually decided to retain the Dutchman. Pochettino subsequently took up the role of head coach of the United States men’s national team in September 2024.
The decision meant another potential route to Old Trafford had closed without him getting the job.
3. 2026: A verbal agreement brings Pochettino closer than ever
The latest developments could represent a significant turning point in Pochettino’s long association with the Manchester United vacancy.
United are reportedly preparing for a possible departure of Michael Carrick following a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign.
The club’s struggles have intensified pressure on Carrick, with United sitting 18th in the Premier League after 10 matches and having recorded just one league victory.
According to Sky Sports, United have reached an agreement in principle with Pochettino to take over if they decide to dismiss Carrick.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are expected to discuss the manager’s future with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco.
One of the major considerations is Pochettino’s current contract with the United States national team, which he recently extended until the 2030 World Cup. United are reportedly prepared to pay approximately £7 million to secure his release.
The timing is particularly significant because Pochettino is expected to lead the United States in upcoming CONCACAF Nations League matches against Haiti.
For now, the reported agreement remains conditional on United making a decision about Carrick. Sky Sports and The Guardian have reported on the negotiations.
Why Pochettino remains an attractive option
Pochettino brings considerable experience of English football, having managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
His most celebrated spell came at Tottenham, where he transformed the club into regular Premier League title contenders and guided them to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final.
He also won the French league title with Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, adding to his experience of managing high-profile players and competing for major honours.
However, his record in England also includes difficult spells, particularly at Chelsea, where his tenure ended after one season.
For United, appointing Pochettino would mean bringing in a coach familiar with the demands of the Premier League, but one who has yet to win a major trophy in English football.
Is this finally Pochettino’s Old Trafford moment?
After years of links, interviews and missed opportunities, Pochettino now appears to be at the centre of United’s managerial plans once again.
In 2022, United chose Ten Hag. In 2024, they decided to give Ten Hag another opportunity. In 2026, circumstances have brought Pochettino back into the picture, with reports of an agreement in principle.
The question is no longer simply whether United admire Pochettino. It is whether this latest opportunity will finally see the Argentine take charge at Old Trafford.
