Manchester United lets Michael Carrick go but doesn’t reach out to Antonio Conte

Antonio Conte will not be Manchester United’s next coach. After officially announcing Michael Carrick’s dismissal, the English club appears to have chosen Mauricio Pochettino to try to turn around a team in the midst of a crisis. An agreement with the Argentine coach has reportedly already been reached, and all that remains is the final green light from the U.S. Soccer Federation.

The situation at the Red Devils is becoming increasingly complicated. Following the coaching changes of recent years—from Solskjaer to Rangnick, and then Ten Hag and Amorim—Carrick’s tenure has also ended without the hoped-for results. The former midfielder was unable to turn things around, and Manchester United currently finds itself in the relegation zone of the Premier League—a position far removed from the club’s ambitions and history.

Management has therefore decided to take immediate action, identifying Pochettino as the right person to chart a new course. Co-owner Avram Glazer has reportedly already approved the move, with an agreement between the parties said to be all but finalized.

The only issue remaining to be resolved is the Argentine’s contract with the U.S. national team. To secure his release, Manchester United would need to pay a sum close to 10 million euros, corresponding to the buyout clause in his contract. It’s an investment the club is reportedly willing to make in order to bring Pochettino to Old Trafford as soon as possible.