Manchester United have reportedly moved closer to appointing Mauricio Pochettino as their next permanent head coach, with the club preparing to finalise a deal if Michael Carrick is relieved of his duties. The Argentine manager has emerged as the club's preferred candidate, and discussions over his personal terms have already made positive progress.

According to a report published on Wednesday by renowned journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic, Manchester United's decision-makers have reached an agreement in principle regarding their preferred managerial option. Pochettino is now at the top of the club's shortlist as they consider making a change in the dugout.

The report also suggests that senior figures at Old Trafford have held an emergency meeting to discuss Carrick's future. The meeting is expected to play a crucial role in determining whether the current manager will be dismissed. An official decision could reportedly be announced following discussions among the club's key decision-makers.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have already made significant progress in negotiations with Pochettino. Positive discussions regarding his personal terms were reportedly completed on Tuesday, bringing the club closer to securing an agreement with the Argentine coach.

However, appointing Pochettino will not be straightforward. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager is currently in charge of the United States national team. He has a contract that runs until the 2030 FIFA World Cup, meaning Manchester United would need to negotiate his release before bringing him back to English football.

Although discussions over personal terms have reportedly gone well, Manchester United have yet to make formal contact with US Soccer regarding his potential departure. The American football governing body would have to agree to release the manager from his existing contract.

Reports suggest that Pochettino's contract includes a buyout clause worth $10 million. Manchester United would therefore need to pay that amount to secure his services. In addition, the club could face further financial costs if they want to bring his existing coaching staff to Old Trafford.

The timing of a potential appointment also presents a challenge. The United States are scheduled to play two FIFA international friendly matches against Haiti during the November international break. It remains uncertain whether Pochettino will remain in the dugout for those fixtures or leave his national team position to take charge at Manchester United.

Pochettino has considerable experience in English football, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. His familiarity with the Premier League is believed to be one of the factors that make him an attractive candidate for Manchester United.

For now, Carrick's future and the club's next managerial appointment remain closely linked. The outcome of the emergency meeting could determine whether Manchester United move forward with their pursuit of Pochettino and begin formal negotiations with US Soccer.