Fabrizio Romano drops huge Mauricio Pochettino update as Man United close in on Carrick replacement

Manchester United have held discussions with representatives of Mauricio Pochettino as INEOS seeks a replacement for manager Michael Carrick. With United languishing in the Premier League relegation zone following a winless run since August, Pochettino has emerged as the frontrunner for the role and is reportedly open to taking the position, which includes a release clause around £7.5 million.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that contacts have occurred between the club and Pochettino, making him a serious candidate ahead of an upcoming INEOS summit in Monaco. Other contenders have fallen away, with Julian Nagelsmann turning down United's approach, while options including Antonio Conte, Unai Emery, and Cesc Fabregas remain unlikely.