Mauricio Pochettino Linked to Manchester United Amid U.S. Coaching Uncertainty

Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as Manchester United's chosen candidate to replace Michael Carrick, casting doubt on his future as the U.S. men's national team head coach. While preparing his squad for the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti, Pochettino faces mounting speculation that he could soon return to club football.

Manchester United's Managerial Pursuit

Manchester United are expected to part ways with Carrick, though the club has not yet officially fired him. Formal contact with U.S. Soccer regarding Pochettino's contract has also not been made. However, United have the rest of the international break to finalize a replacement before returning to action against Liverpool on Nov. 22.

Securing Pochettino would require a significant financial commitment. United would need to trigger a buyout clause reportedly worth nearly $10 million to get Pochettino out of his U.S. Soccer deal. Furthermore, bringing along the assistant coaches who have followed Pochettino for more than a decade would cost millions more.

Immediate Focus on the Concacaf Nations League

Despite the uncertainty, Pochettino is expected to remain on the U.S. sideline for at least two more matches regardless of what happens with Manchester United. He is currently in camp with the team at U.S. Soccer's National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia.

The squad is preparing for their upcoming quarterfinal fixtures against Haiti, scheduled for Saturday in Miami and Tuesday in Cincinnati. Pochettino is expected to speak to the media on Friday to address the upcoming matches.

The managerial rumors arrive just months after Pochettino signed a contract extension in August. That deal was set to run through the 2030 World Cup, following the USA's run to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.

Potential Successors

If Pochettino appears to be on his way out, U.S. Soccer is reportedly identifying potential replacements. According to The Athletic, the federation is expected to make Pep Guardiola a top target. The former Manchester City manager has had past conversations with the federation and has long been intrigued by the idea of working in the United States.

Another option with proven national team experience is B.J. Callaghan. Callaghan previously guided the U.S. men's national team to the 2023 Concacaf Nations League title as an interim coach and recently led Nashville SC to a league-record point total in the MLS regular season.