Mauricio Pochettino to Manchester United: Contract, Salary and Release Clause of Michael Carrick’s Replacement

Manchester United are reportedly nearing a deal to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their next coach to replace club legend Michael Carrick, who is set to be sacked.

Pochettino emerged as the top candidate on Monday when it became clear that the United hierarchy had decided to sack Carrick after a poor run of results that has left the team in the English Premier League relegation zone.

Carrick has overseen a bad spell with just three wins in 15 games across all competitions. The situation is dire in the Premier League, where United have just one win in 10 games, leaving them in 18th position on the 20-team table with eight points, just one better than bottom club Crystal Palace.

Following a chaotic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday, United CEO Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox decided to sack Carrick and while this is not yet confirmed, a meeting in Monaco with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will ratify that decision on Wednesday, paving the way for Pochettino’s arrival.

According to The Athletic, United are in advanced talks with Pochettino’s camp with the former Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea coach having agreed to leave his current role as coach of the US national team coach and take over at Old Trafford immediately.

However, United will need to pay a compensation of $10 million (Ksh1.3 billion) to the US to release Pochettino from his contract, which runs up to 2030, but this is reportedly not a problem.

After that, attention will turn to his personal terms and the length of his contract.

As per multiple sources, Pochettino will likely sign a contract of not less that 18 months, taking him to at least the summer of 2028, with an option for another year, although he will be keen on a longer stay.

The Argentine coach will also earn a hefty pay. He is on $6 million (Ksh779 million) per year in his current job but will be seeking a significantly higher amount between $8 million (Ksh1 billion) and $12 million (Ksh1.5 billion).

That would take the total cost of hiring Pochettino close to $20 million (Ksh2.6 billion) in a year, factoring in his buyout clause and annual salary.