Manchester United have reached an agreement with Mauricio Pochettino to become the club's next head coach, bringing an end to Michael Carrick's turbulent spell at Old Trafford.
The Argentine is expected to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract, with an official announcement anticipated on Friday, November 13.
Pochettino will take charge of United after completing his commitments as head coach of the United States national team, including their matches against Haiti on Saturday and Wednesday.
The former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager had a £7 million release clause in his contract with the United States Soccer Federation, paving the way for his return to club football.
His first assignment is expected to be a high-profile Premier League encounter against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
Pochettino becomes Manchester United's eighth permanent managerial appointment since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, with the club hoping he can restore stability and revive their ambitions after another disappointing campaign.
His appointment follows the dismissal of Carrick on Thursday, November 12, after United's hierarchy concluded that a managerial change was necessary to improve the team's performances.
Carrick's departure came less than six months after he signed a two-year contract extension, having initially impressed during his temporary spell in charge.
The former United midfielder guided the team to 12 victories in 17 matches last season, securing a third-place Premier League finish and qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
However, his fortunes changed dramatically this campaign, with United managing just three victories in 15 matches. Their poor form left the club in the Premier League relegation zone after collecting only one win from their opening 10 league fixtures.
A dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa last Sunday proved insufficient to save his position. United had twice fought back from two-goal deficits but their defensive shortcomings and inconsistent performances continued to raise concerns.
Club executives Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox reportedly recommended the change, with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe ratifying the decision during a meeting in Monaco.
Carrick's departure also triggered significant changes within the coaching department, with Jonny Evans, Jonathan Woodgate, Steve Holland, Travis Binnion and goalkeeping coach Craig Mawson leaving the club.
Pochettino now inherits a squad that United's leadership believes is considerably stronger than its recent results suggest.
The 54-year-old has previously been considered for the Old Trafford position on three occasions but will finally get an opportunity to lead the English giants.
His immediate challenge will be to improve results, restore confidence and push United back towards the European qualification places.
However, his appointment also comes amid wider questions about the club's recruitment strategy and football leadership.
Former United captain Gary Neville has warned that repeatedly changing managers will not solve the club's deeper problems, pointing to weaknesses in recruitment, performance management and institutional leadership.
Pochettino will therefore face the difficult task of delivering immediate improvements while helping Manchester United establish the long-term stability they have struggled to achieve since Ferguson's departure.
