Sources: Pochettino agrees deal to replace Carrick at Man United

Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the next Manchester United manager with an announcement expected on Friday, sources have told ESPN.

The 54-year-old will replace Michael Carrick, who was sacked by the club on Thursday. Pochettino has finalised personal terms on a two-and-a-half year contract at Old Trafford.

He has agreed a deal with the U.S. Soccer which will see him take charge of two games against Haiti before traveling to Manchester.

United expect Pochettino at Carrington on Wednesday ahead of his first game in charge against Liverpool at Anfield on Nov. 22. The bulk of United’s international players will also return to Carrington on Wednesday.

Sources have told ESPN that United CEO Omar Berrada told the U.S.S.F. on Wednesday that they would trigger the $10 million (£7.5m) release clause in Pochettino’s contract. United are expected to pay another $2m to hire Pochettino’s staff, including long-time assistant Jesus Perez.

Pochettino, according to sources, asked representatives to alert United to the existence of a release clause in the contract extension he signed with U.S. Soccer in August.

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The former Argentina defender is set to return to the Premier League after spells at Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea. He will take over at United with the team 18th in the Premier League table.