Manchester United miss chance to appoint Pochettino amid fears over cost of change
A FourFourTwo analysis says the November international break was an ideal opportunity for Manchester United to change managers, with the team not due to play again until 22 November. But the article says the club does not appear set to take advantage, despite the team’s declining results under Michael Carrick.
According to the article, which cites talkSPORT, Mauricio Pochettino remains open to taking charge of United. The United States national team coach is under contract with the national team, and the article says reports in 2025 mentioned a £20 million release clause, while ESPN reports said the cost of ending the arrangement was in the tens of millions.
The article adds that changing managers could mean paying compensation to Carrick and his staff, citing an estimate of around £10 million to terminate Ruben Amorim’s contract. It suggests squad cost rules and pressure to cut spending may explain the club’s hesitation, but warns that missing out on European qualification or becoming embroiled in a relegation battle could bring greater sporting and financial losses.
The analysis argues that Pochettino has Premier League experience and the ability to reset the team, and that a change during the November break would have given him time to work before the next international break in March. It warns that keeping the current coaching staff could affect the course of Manchester United’s 2026/27 season.