Manchester United are reportedly finalising an agreement with Mauricio Pochettino to become their next head coach.

The former Tottenham and Chelsea manager has been identified as the club’s first-choice candidate to replace Michael Carrick, who is set to be sacked.

Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox have flown out to meet co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco, where he resides and company INEOS have offices in the principality.

Carrick is expected to again take charge of a depleted first-team training session at Carrington today, while work is concluding on hiring his replacement.

According to The Athletic, United spent Tuesday discussing personal terms with Pochettino’s representatives, with no major obstacles expected and a final agreement expected.

The Guardian reported on Tuesday evening that Pochettino was keen to become the next Man Utd manager.

However, the club have yet to approach US Soccer, who would be entitled to around $10m (£7.4m) in compensation through an exit clause in the Argentine’s contract.

Pochettino, currently in charge of the United States national team, is contracted until 2030 but is reportedly keen to take the Old Trafford job. His coaching staff would also require compensation if he leaves.

According to iNews, Pochettino was heavily backed by the Glazer family to replace Carrick in the Man Utd dugout.

The Glazers had stepped back from direct involvement in footballing decisions since selling shares to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS investment, but it appears the family are set for a more active role after further regression on the pitch.

Pochettino looks set to beat out-of-work Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann for the job.

Director of football Wilcox is said to favour a manager with a track record in the Premier League, with Howe and then Pochettino of interest, while head of recruitment Christopher Vivell is keen on restarting a relationship with Nagelsmann, the pair working together at RB Leipzig.

The former Southampton, Chelsea, and Tottenham boss has previously spoken about his desire to return to the Premier League and previous Manchester United interest in his services.

It could be a case of third time lucky for Pochettino, who missed out on the Man Utd job in 2018 and 2022 to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag, respectively.

A deal may not be straightforward, however. As it is the international break, Pochettino is set to take charge of a USA double-header against Haiti.

Further complications arise from the fact that the Argentine coach is currently into the first months of a new four-year deal with the USA national team.

Compensation would also need to be worked out for his coaching staff, who are expected to cross the pond with Pochettino to take up the role.