Romano: Man Utd could reach agreement with Pochettino at any time, it's just a matter of timing

Fabrizio Romano published the latest video on his podcast channel, discussing the possibility of Pochettino becoming the new Manchester United manager.

Fabrizio Romano said: "Today we are going to discuss somemajor new developments at Manchester United. In the coming days and subsequent videos, we will have more to discuss with you, as we have several issues to follow up on, so it's clearly not just about Manchester United. But there's no doubt that the most anticipated big event in football right now is Manchester United's managerial position, with the latest news from night till morning brewing."

"I told you in my last video yesterday that one name was the absolute top favorite to become the Manchester United manager, and now if everything goes according to plan, that absolute favorite is about to become Manchester United's new manager – that isMauricio Pochettino. The deal between Pochettino and Manchester United is getting closer and closer, and there are still some important steps awaiting, such as the final agreement and the final approval from Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but Mauricio Pochettino is indeed about to become Manchester United's new manager."

"As I said in the video yesterday, formal contact between Mauricio Pochettino and Manchester United began yesterday. Of course, it was Pochettino's representative team involved, because Pochettino is currently busy coaching the United States men's national soccer team. He obviously participated in these conversations, but the direct responsibility for these communications lies with Pochettino's agent. The conversations are still ongoing, and negotiations between both parties are in progress."

"It's also very important thatPochettino has given full approval to the opportunity to take over as Manchester United manager. Pochettino is ready. He has clearly expressed to Manchester United that he is attracted and open to taking the job, even though Manchester United's current situation is extremely difficult – ranking only 18th in the Premier League table and in a very complex situation. But Pochettino remains open and ready to take on this managerial role."

"The relationship between Manchester United and Mauricio Pochettino can be described as an 'endless story'. If this deal eventually goes through, I will bring you more details on the channel, but it's certain that Pochettino and Manchester United have been very close many times in the past, and there has always been a deep connection between them, it's just that the timing has never been right. And now, Pochettino and Manchester United are very, very close. They are discussing the specific financial details, contract length, and other matters."

"But don't forget the key point I mentioned in yesterday's video: Pochettino's contract with the United States Soccer Federation includes a release clause, which was added during previous contract negotiations. In fact, just a few weeks or months ago, after the World Cup, Pochettino had just renewed his contract with the United States Soccer Federation, extending it until the next World Cup. Both parties were originally enthusiastic about continuing their collaboration, but when the call from Manchester United came, it felt completely different for Mauricio Pochettino."

"Therefore, Manchester United is very clear about how much they need to pay to get Pochettino –the exact amount is 10 million. If Manchester United also wants to bring some of his coaching staff, this figure will increase further. Let's wait and see, but what is certain is that the direction for Pochettino to join Manchester United is clear."

"Meanwhile, in a somewhat absurd atmosphere, Michael Carrick trained the team again today, just like yesterday. I remember telling you last Sunday night that Carrick would be in charge of training on Tuesday, and he was in charge today as well. So Carrick is still there, holding the fort and assisting. He didn't convey any changes to the players last night or this morning, but Carrickcould receive a dismissal notice from Manchester United at any moment, informing him that the club has decided to change managers, and at this juncture, the most definite top candidate is still Pochettino."

"Carrick is waiting, and he is obviously aware of all the media reports and discussions surrounding Manchester United's managerial position. Today is a crucial day, because in Monaco, Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada and Director Jason Wilcox are meeting with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to discuss the situation and finalize a solution."

"As I've always told you, this will be a long meeting, because the issues initially discussed internally and then presented to Sir Jim Ratcliffe are not just about changing managers. They will also discuss many levels of things: including what problems arose this summer, why the transfer market operations did not meet expectations, what urgent situations need to be resolved in the January winter window, and what long-term plans they can make for 2027. Therefore, this conversation will be very long, not simply deciding 'fire Carrick – yes or no', 'invite Pochettino – yes or no', but a deep communication involving multiple major issues."

"The transfer market is a very serious issue at Manchester United, because it is obvious that the summer window operations did not work at all. Manchester United did some good things, but there were many missing links. Not only did Lisandro Martinez express this after the match against Atlético Madrid, but many people within the club, including several players, also held the same view. They believed that in terms of the number of players brought in, the summer window work should have been different, so this is definitely a key point."

"This conversation will be very long. Manchester United is already considering the January winter transfer window, but before mentioning specific individuals, transfer opportunities, or even departure lists, the most crucial part remains who will be in charge, which is a vital part of the current discussion. Now, Mauricio Pochettino seems to be the absolute top candidate to take over as Manchester United manager. This final decision could be announced at any time, especially regarding Carrick's future, because today could very likely be the day for Carrick's fate to be decided, after which the club could reach an agreement with Pochettino at any time."

"Of course, there are some issues that need to be coordinated regarding the timing, such as when to announce it publicly andwhen to formally sign, because Pochettino still has a press conference on Friday and a matchday assignment on the weekend. So Pochettino will have a very busy schedule, after all, he is still under contract and working hard for the United States men's national team."

"Meanwhile, the situation at Manchester United is also progressing simultaneously. This is clearly a situation they must clarify as soon as possible, because Pochettino is negotiating with Manchester United while also juggling his work with the United States national team, which is by no means easy. Manchester United clearly wants to maintain full respect for the United States Soccer Federation, so they will be very careful in managing the timing to avoid any trouble or disputes. But the overall direction is already very clear, Mauricio Pochettino is expected to become Manchester United's next manager."

"At the end of the video, I also want to clarify some other rumored names: Regarding Antonio Conte, there has never been any in-depth contact or negotiation between the two parties, so it was not Conte who rejected Manchester United, nor did Manchester United reject him because Conte's asking price was too high or he demanded too many players. Such a situation simply does not exist; there has been no substantial progress between Conte and Manchester United."

"For those asking about Eddie Howeand Julian Nagelsmann, these two names were indeed considered by Manchester United and appeared on the recruitment list as potential alternatives. They are currently available, experienced, and like Conte, are excellent coaches and well-known names in football. But even though Eddie Howe and Nagelsmann were on the shortlist for some time, Manchester United's absolute priority target from the very first moment they decided to change managers – apart from Emery, who was Manchester United's dream coach, but Aston Villa firmly blocked any possibility of him leaving, and Emery is already prepared to sign a new contract with Villa – now Pochettino seems to be the absolute top favorite to become Manchester United's new manager."