Manchester United are working to finalise Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment as their new manager, with negotiations also underway to bring four additional coaches to Old Trafford.
The Argentine has agreed terms with United following Michael Carrick’s dismissal, although further discussions with the United States Soccer Federation are required before his arrival can be confirmed.
Jamie Carragher believes Pochettino is ideal Man Utd appointment
Pochettino is expected to return to Premier League management after spending the last two years in charge of the United States national team, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea.
United have reached a verbal agreement with the 54-year-old and are working towards activating a $10m (£7.5m) release clause in his contract with the American federation.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes the appointment makes sense given United’s current predicament, arguing that Premier League experience is essential for a club facing a potential relegation battle.
“I think he’s a really good appointment, because right now United have to have somebody who’s got Premier League experience. Because you’re in a relegation fight right now, that might change in the next four to six weeks.
“So the thought of bringing in someone who’s never managed in the Premier League before I think would scare you when you look at where United are in the league.”
Carragher had previously considered Newcastle manager Eddie Howe the most suitable candidate, but admitted he did not anticipate Pochettino becoming available.
“So that’s why I thought Eddie Howe. I never thought Pochettino would be available because he’s just signed a new contract, but I think he’s the best person United could have got.”
Although the managerial agreement is progressing, United still have further negotiations to complete before Pochettino and his trusted assistants can officially make the move to Manchester.
Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd working on Jesús Pérez deal
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United are being forced to negotiate the cost of securing Pochettino’s backroom staff separately, with the Argentine’s $10m release clause covering only his own departure from the United States.
“Pochettino said yes, he wants to go to United, he will go to United, waiting again on these formal steps and then ‘here we go’.
“Working also on the staff, that’s also an important point. The clause, ten million dollars, is only to appoint Pochettino and make sure Pochettino gets the green light to leave the US national team and go to Manchester United.
“But then if you want to get his staff, it’s extra money, so this is also part of the conversation.”
Chief among those expected to join Pochettino is his long-serving assistant Jesús Pérez, who has worked alongside the Argentine for more than 15 years and shares a particularly strong affection for Manchester United.
In fact, Telegraph journalist James Ducker shared a remarkable exchange between the pair during an interview at the Ritz-Carlton in California in June, in which Pochettino revealed working at Old Trafford is Pérez’s “dream”.
Pérez regularly travelled to Manchester during his days off while working in London, with the Spaniard particularly fond of visiting the National Football Museum.
That dream could now become reality, with Pérez expected to be accompanied by assistant coach Miguel ‘Miki’ D’Agostino, goalkeeping coach Antonio ‘Toni’ Jiménez and sports scientist Sebastiano Pochettino, the manager’s son.
Romano reveals Pochettino’s Man Utd transfer plans
Beyond assembling his coaching team, Pochettino is expected to have a significant influence on United’s recruitment plans when the January transfer window opens.
Romano has revealed that the Argentine has already raised the subject of transfers during initial discussions with the club, with further meetings planned to establish priorities.
“They already said very soon we will have specific meetings regarding the January transfer window. Pochettino is a manager who loves to be involved in the transfer strategy. He’s not the kind of manager who says, ‘Okay, give me the players, I will take care of them.'”
The reporter added that Pochettino’s ability to develop existing players should not be overlooked, pointing to his achievements at Tottenham as evidence that he does not require constant changes to his squad.
However, Romano believes United are guaranteed to enter the January market regardless of who takes charge.
“Already in January, they need to do something. Could be two, could be three, could be one. I don’t know. We will see. But United will sign players in January. I can guarantee that because that’s part of the strategy at the club, regardless of who’s going to be the coach.”
For Pochettino, the immediate priority will be securing his appointment and assembling the familiar coaching team that has accompanied him throughout much of his managerial career, before turning his attention to the January window.
