Manchester United are hoping to finalise an agreement with Mauricio Pochettino on Thursday, sources have told ESPN, before triggering the release clause in his contract with the U.S. Soccer Federation.
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 the U.S Soccer Federation on Wednesday. United have informed U.S.S.F. 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 USNMT in their two games against Haiti during the international break. The situation about how to move forward is set to be resolved between Pochettino and U.S.S.F. chiefs.
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.
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.
After guiding the U.S. to the round-of-16 at last summer's World Cup, he signed a four-year extension in August but is now set to return to the Premier League with United.
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