Manchester United are hoping to finalise an agreement with United States men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino on Thursday, sources have told ESPN, before triggering the release clause in his contract with U.S. Soccer.
Pochettino is set to replace Michael Carrick, who was informed of his dismissal by CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox at Carrington on Thursday morning.
Carrick leaves Old Trafford with United 18th in the Premier League after just one league win all season.
Sources have told ESPN that Berrada held positive talks with U.S. Soccer on Wednesday. United have informed U.S. Soccer that they intend to trigger the $10 million (£7m) release clause in Pochettino's contract once personal terms are agreed with the 54-year-old.
Sources have told ESPN that the club are relaxed about the possibility of the former Argentina defender managing USMNT in their two games against Haiti during the international break on Nov. 14 and Nov. 17 in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals.
Sources have told ESPN that representatives of Pochettino initially reached out to United to inform the club of the existence of a release clause in his contract, which was signed in August. It's being viewed at United as evidence that Pochettino is eager to take on the challenge at Old Trafford.
United first considered Carrick's position following heavy back-to-back defeats to Como and AFC Bournemouth in October.
Carrick was informed at a meeting two days after the defeat to Bournemouth that there would be further review during the international break and that significant improvement was needed.
Sources have told ESPN that while there were good spells against Chelsea, AS Roma and Aston Villa, there wasn't enough consistency across the three games to warrant giving Carrick more time.
United, according to sources, have been "transparent" with Carrick and his representatives over the last few days amid intense speculation about his future.
The final decision was made in Monaco on Wednesday after it was clear that a deal with Pochettino could be agreed and the existence of a release clause in his contract was confirmed with U.S. Soccer.
Sources said Berrada and Wilcox did not want to sack Carrick over the phone and instead flew back to Manchester on Wednesday night before holding a meeting with Carrick and his staff on Thursday morning.
United expect Pochettino to arrive at Carrington by Nov. 18 at the latest ahead of his first game in charge against Liverpool at Anfield on Nov. 22.
The bulk of United's international players are also set to return to Carrington by Nov. 18.
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