Pochettino Moves Closer to Manchester United, Putting USA on Alert
Mauricio Pochettino could return to the Premier League to take charge of Manchester United. The English club is making progress in its pursuit of the Argentine manager, whose potential departure would force the United States to rethink its plans ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino could be heading back to English football.
The Argentine manager, who currently leads the United States national team, has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United.
According to the latest reports, the Red Devils' management has made progress in discussions to appoint the 54-year-old coach, who is reportedly willing to return to the Premier League.
There have even been suggestions of an agreement in principle between the two parties, although several important issues remain unresolved before a deal can be completed.
The first concerns Carrick, who officially remains Manchester United's manager after signing a contract extension until 2028.
However, a difficult start to the season has placed his future under enormous pressure.
The English club is going through a sporting crisis, and its management believes a solution is needed to prevent the season from turning into a complete failure.
For now, neither Manchester United nor U.S. Soccer has officially announced the departure of their respective managers.
A Contract Extension That Could Last Just Three Months
Pochettino's potential departure would represent a significant problem for the U.S. Soccer Federation.
On August 3, U.S. Soccer officially announced the Argentine's contract extension until 2030, a decision designed to provide continuity to the project following the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The agreement not only covered his continued leadership of the senior national team but also included greater involvement from his coaching staff in youth player development and other areas of the federation.
However, Manchester United's interest could completely change those plans.
According to several reports, the English club would have to pay compensation of approximately $10 million to release the manager from his contract.
That figure could increase if Pochettino decides to bring his closest assistants with him, including Jesús Pérez, Miguel D'Agostino, and Toni Jiménez.
Although the amount has not been officially confirmed, it represents one of the main issues that would need to be resolved between the two organizations.
A Return to England That Could Be Difficult to Turn Down
The opportunity to manage Manchester United represents a major challenge for Pochettino, who knows English football extremely well.
The Argentine began his journey in the Premier League with Southampton before establishing himself as one of the competition's most respected managers during his time at Tottenham.
He guided Spurs to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final, one of the defining achievements of his coaching career.
He later managed Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea before taking charge of the United States national team in September 2024.
His experience working with young players and his knowledge of the Premier League are two of the main reasons he has emerged as a favorite among the English club's decision-makers.
Nevertheless, accepting the challenge would mean walking away from a project that has only recently entered a new chapter following the 2026 World Cup.
Guardiola Emerges as a Potential Replacement for USA
Pochettino's possible departure has also sparked speculation about who could take over the United States national team.
One of the biggest names being mentioned is Pep Guardiola, who is currently taking a break from coaching after ending his historic spell at Manchester City.
As previously reported, the Catalan manager is among the options U.S. Soccer is considering for the start of a new international cycle.
His experience, playing philosophy, and ability to build long-term projects make him an attractive candidate.
However, there has been no official offer, and any potential approach would first depend on Pochettino's departure being confirmed.
Meanwhile, the Argentine remains focused on his responsibilities with the United States, who will face Haiti in the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Nations League.
The first leg is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, in Miami, while the return leg will take place on Tuesday, November 17, in Cincinnati.
The United States are aiming to win their fourth title in the competition and begin their journey toward the 2030 World Cup on a positive note.
For now, Pochettino remains their head coach.
But Manchester United's interest has placed both organizations in a position where a major decision could reshape the future of their sporting projects.
Key Takeaways From Pochettino's Potential Move
- Manchester United are reportedly holding discussions to appoint Mauricio Pochettino, although Michael Carrick officially remains the English club's manager.
- Pochettino signed a contract extension with the United States until 2030 in August, but his departure could require compensation of approximately $10 million, according to reports.
- Pep Guardiola has emerged as a potential alternative for U.S. Soccer, while the national team prepares for its matches against Haiti in the Concacaf Nations League.
