Manchester United are poised to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as head coach following the dismissal of Michael Carrick, but the appointment is reported to be far from straightforward. The Red Devils parted ways with the 45-year-old on Thursday morning after a poor start to the season that has left United 18th in the Premier League table with just one win from 10 matches. Sources claim the Glazer family has overruled Ineos during the search for a replacement, with Ineos reportedly hoping to appoint Eddie Howe, who has been without a club since leaving Newcastle United this summer.

According to the Mail, director of football Jason Wilcox viewed Howe as his top choice, while director of recruitment Christopher Vivell is said to have favoured Julian Nagelsmann. Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe oversees day-to-day football matters at United, but the Glazer family, as majority stakeholders, retain ultimate authority on major decisions. Sources suggest the Glazers have selected their own preferred candidate against the wishes of Wilcox and Vivell, although United deny that Pochettino is a Glazer-driven appointment.S1S2

United have reached an agreement in principle with Pochettino and his representatives, and the 54-year-old is set to become the next manager tasked with restoring silverware to Old Trafford. Several steps remain before he can take charge. Because his contract with USMNT runs until 2030, United will need to pay around £7.4million to buy him out, and an additional £1.5million is understood to be needed to bring in his current backroom team. Adding the roughly £3million compensation owed to Carrick for ending his contract early, the club faces a considerable financial outlay.S1S2

Pochettino is not expected to arrive at Carrington until Thursday, November 19 at the earliest, due to his commitments with USMNT. The United States are preparing for the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League, where they face Haiti across two matches.S1S2