Mauricio Pochettino is poised to become Manchester United's new head coach, with David Ornstein reporting that the former Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and PSG manager has agreed terms and that an announcement could come as soon as Friday. Pochettino, currently in charge of the United States national team, has long been linked with United and emerged as the favourite to succeed Michael Carrick after the club sacked Carrick on Thursday.

Ornstein said the contract runs for 2.5 years until summer 2029. Pochettino, 54, is expected to lead the USA over the international break before arriving at Old Trafford in time for the Premier League clash with Liverpool on November 22. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the deal is done and that the US Federation has given its green light, with Pochettino having agreed all terms on Wednesday.S1S2

To secure his release from his US contract, United are reportedly required to pay a compensation fee of £7.4million, a sum the club has decided to pay. Pochettino's current deal, which he extended after this summer's World Cup, includes a release clause, and he had recently opened the door to the move.S1S2

Pundit Alan Shearer welcomed the appointment, saying Pochettino would bring excitement back to the club and had the Premier League experience to understand the demands of the job. Shearer argued that success would depend on whether Pochettino is given control over which players arrive and leave, a point he said has undermined many previous United managers.S1