Manchester United have officially contacted US Soccer about hiring USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, a source confirmed to Yahoo Sports on Wednesday, marking another important step towards the Argentine’s potential return to the Premier League.
Everything indicates that Pochettino will take over at Manchester United, but there is a significant obstacle preventing this decision: Michael Carrick is still employed by the team.
Advertisement
That is set to change on Wednesday as Manchester United bosses meet to discuss Carrick’s fate. Once that meeting takes place – and Carrick is relieved of his duties – Pochettino is expected to be hired by the team, according to multiple reports.
The move comes just months after Pochettino signed a new contract to continue coaching the USMNT until the 2030 World Cup. It would cost Manchester United $10 million to release Pochettino from that contract.
As Manchester United faces relegation, the team is looking to make a major move at the head coaching position. Reports emerged on Monday suggesting Carrick could be fired, with Pochettino one of the biggest names Manchester United were considering as a replacement. Since then, discussions have progressed rapidly.
Pochettino would certainly be considered an important signing. The Argentine has extensive experience in the Premier League, having guided Southampton to their highest finish in the competition and Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final. He has also managed Chelsea, with a spell at Paris Saint-Germain between his tenures at Tottenham and Chelsea.
Advertisement
After a year at Chelsea, Pochettino was hired to coach the USMNT, which he led to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
The USMNT is currently preparing for the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti. The teams are scheduled to play Saturday and Tuesday. It is unclear whether Pochettino will be with the team for either match. It is also unclear who would replace Pochettino if he leaves and takes members of the staff with him to Manchester United.
USMNT players were aware of rumors suggesting Pochettino could leave the team, but tried to downplay the news on Tuesday.
With the situation still unresolved as of Wednesday morning, Carrick is expected to practice with the team before a decision is made regarding his future.
Gn sports
