Manchester United have made contact with U.S. Soccer ahead of triggering Mauricio Pochettino's $10 million release clause as they close on a deal to hire the USMNT manager to replace Michael Carrick, sources told ESPN.
Sources added that executives from Man United are set to meet with Carrick on Thursday -- with the expectation that the 45-year-old will be relieved of his duties -- as the club pushes ahead with plans to hire Pochettino.
It will likely cost United another $2 million to hire Pochettino's staff, including long-time assistant Jesus Perez.
United executives including CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason WIlcox met with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco on Wednesday ahead of their Thursday meeting with Carrick.
Carrick signed a two-year contract in May, but has overseen a poor start to the season. United have won just one Premier League game -- against newly-promoted Ipswich in August -- and sit 18th in the table.
The club have so far remained tight-lipped about the future of former United star player Carrick, who was at Carrington on Wednesday to lead training with the players not currently on international duty.
Pochettino is preparing for two USMNT games against Haiti, one on Nov. 14 and another on Nov. 17, in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals.
A source told ESPN that U.S. Soccer said it expects Pochettino to oversee the two games against Haiti, the first for the Americans since winning all four matches during the Sept./Oct. international window.
Pochettino has extensive Premier League experience after spells at Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea. He was considered for the United job before in 2018, 2022 and 2024.
United's next fixture is against Liverpool at Anfield on Nov. 22.