The short version
- Manchester United is reportedly interested in hiring Mauricio Pochettino to replace Michael Carrick following a poor start to the season.
- Pochettino’s contract with US Soccer includes a release clause of approximately $10 million, which increases if his long-serving staff are retained.
- US Soccer has contingency plans for a potential departure, including domestic candidates like Steve Cherundolo and BJ Callaghan.
Manchester United is actively exploring the possibility of appointing Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach, marking a significant shift in leadership for the struggling Premier League club. Multiple sources indicate that interest in the Argentine manager is mutual, driven by United’s desire to stabilize a season that has begun disastrously. The club currently sits at risk of relegation, facing what many observers describe as their worst opening campaign in forty years. This precarious position has led to expectations that current manager Michael Carrick will be dismissed shortly.
Securing Pochettino’s services presents substantial financial and logistical challenges for United. Reports indicate that the coach’s contract with US Soccer contains a release clause valued at approximately $10 million, or roughly £7.5 million. This figure is not static; it is expected to rise significantly if United chooses to retain Pochettino’s existing support staff. The cost of bringing over his longtime assistant and confidant Jesús Pérez, who has worked alongside the manager for sixteen years, would add considerable weight to the total transfer fee.
Pochettino’s current tenure with the US men’s national team began in 2024, following a period where US Soccer evaluated several high-profile candidates, including Jürgen Klopp. His appointment was part of a broader strategy to overhaul the federation’s approach to youth development and improve competitive results. Under his guidance, the team reached the last sixteen at the 2026 World Cup, an outcome that many critics viewed as a disappointment given the resources available. Despite this, US Soccer renewed his contract through 2030, signaling a long-term commitment to his vision.
The manager has previously emphasized his dedication to seeing out his contractual obligations. In statements following his renewal, Pochettino stressed the importance of believing in the process and arriving at the end of a four-year agreement. He framed such commitments as matters of professional integrity rather than mere financial security. However, he also acknowledged the inherent unpredictability of football, noting that nothing in life is certain, particularly within the sport.
Despite his public assurances, Pochettino has repeatedly expressed a desire to return to club football in England. Interviews with major broadcasters have revealed his nostalgia for the Premier League and his ambition to build a project capable of winning titles. He maintains strong ties to London, where he keeps a home, and frequently praises the football culture in the United Kingdom. His preference for the daily rhythm of club management over the intermittent schedule of international duty is well-documented among industry insiders.
The timing of any potential departure would have significant implications for US Soccer. A move now would allow an incoming coach to lead the team through the majority of the current four-year cycle, including the upcoming 2030 qualifying matches. The federation stands to earn millions from the release clause payment, a financial benefit that might offset the disruption caused by a mid-cycle change in leadership. US Soccer is prepared for such scenarios, having developed contingency plans specifically for the possibility of Pochettino leaving.
Several domestic candidates are positioned to step in should Pochettino depart. Steve Cherundolo, currently the head coach of the U-23 team, is viewed as a viable internal option. BJ Callaghan, who leads Nashville SC and previously served as interim head coach for the national team, is another potential successor. Callaghan has guided his club to a league-record points total this season, demonstrating strong tactical acumen and player management skills.
Pochettino’s close relationship with his staff complicates any negotiation. Jesús Pérez has been present at every stop in Pochettino’s coaching career, from Espanyol to Chelsea. Other assistants, including Miki D’Agostino and goalkeeper coach Toni Jiménez, have also traveled with him for years. This tight-knit group is rare in modern football, where staff turnover is common. United would need to account for the costs and logistics of relocating this entire unit if they wish to secure Pochettino’s services.
The US men’s national team is scheduled to face Haiti in two Concacaf Nations League matches in Cincinnati and Miami. These fixtures represent the first competitive games of the 2030 qualifying cycle. Pochettino is expected to address reporters on Friday afternoon, providing an opportunity for further clarification on his future plans. Until then, speculation will continue to swirl around the potential impact of a high-profile managerial change on both United’s season and US Soccer’s long-term strategy.
The situation highlights the increasing mobility of top-tier coaches between national teams and elite clubs. As financial incentives grow and competitive pressures mount, managers like Pochettino find themselves at the center of complex negotiations that balance professional ambition with contractual obligations. The outcome will likely influence how federations structure future contracts and manage relationships with high-demand personnel.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Mauricio Pochettino interested in leaving USMNT job for Manchester United
