Pochettino Eyes Manchester United Move From USMNT 2026

Mauricio Pochettino is interested in leaving his role as US men’s national team head coach to take over at Manchester United, according to multiple sources. The interest is described as mutual, with United expected to sack current head coach Michael Carrick after a disastrous start to the season.

United’s poor form has left them at risk of relegation from the Premier League, marking their worst opening to a campaign in four decades. The club’s hierarchy is reportedly considering Pochettino as the man to turn things around.

Why Manchester United Want Pochettino

Pochettino has a strong track record in the Premier League, having managed Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur. He also spent time at Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Ligue 1 title.

His ability to develop young players and implement an attacking style of play is seen as a good fit for United’s tradition. The club’s current situation demands a manager who can stabilize the team and rebuild confidence.

The Cost of Securing Pochettino

Securing Pochettino’s services is far from simple or inexpensive. His contract contains a release clause in the neighborhood of $10 million (£7.5m), according to sources.

That figure could grow if United choose to retain Pochettino’s staff, including his longtime assistant and confidant Jesús Pérez, who has worked with Pochettino for 16 years. The Athletic first reported the details of the buyout.

Pochettino’s USMNT Tenure

Pochettino was appointed by US Soccer in 2024 and guided the USMNT to a last-16 finish at the 2026 World Cup, a result that was widely considered a disappointment. The longer history behind the story is traced in Pochettino to Manchester United: Managerial Shakeup and Matchday Live.

Despite that, US Soccer brought him back through 2030, with both sides expressing a mutual belief and commitment towards brightening the fortunes of the US men’s team and overhauling the federation’s approach towards youth development. Context on how this played out before sits in Mauricio Pochettino Confirmed as Manchester United Manager. A companion piece, Pochettino Tears: Manchester United Job Difficult to Turn, approaches the same subject from another angle.

“Every time we sign a contract, it’s to go to the last day of the contract,” Pochettino told reporters after his contract renewal. “If we sign a [contract], we want to respect it.” The background to this story is set out in Mauricio Pochettino US Return: Risky, Expensive, Unnecessary. A related thread runs through Manchester United Defence: Carrick's Central Unit Concerns.

What’s Next for United and Pochettino?

United’s next move will depend on whether they can agree a compensation package with US Soccer. The club may also consider other candidates, but Pochettino appears to be a leading target. Earlier coverage in Manchester United Defence: Carrick's Central Concern shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Jason Wilcox: Manchester United's Best Eyes or Promotion Too Fast.

For Pochettino, the opportunity to return to the Premier League with a club of United’s stature could be tempting, but he would be leaving a project he has only just begun with the USMNT. Anyone following the wider picture can start with USMNT Roster: Pulisic, Balogun Return for Nations League. The same theme surfaces in Mauricio Pochettino Open to Tottenham Return in Any Division, which takes a different angle.

Key Takeaways

• Pochettino is interested in the Manchester United job, and the interest is mutual.
• United are expected to sack Michael Carrick after a poor start to the season.
• Pochettino’s release clause is around $10 million, and could increase if staff are included.
• He led the USMNT to a last-16 finish at the 2026 World Cup.
• US Soccer extended his contract through 2030.

Comparison: Pochettino’s Managerial Record

FAQ

The potential move raises questions about the direction of both United and the USMNT. For United, appointing Pochettino would signal a major shift in strategy, while for the USMNT, losing their head coach just years before the 2030 cycle would be a significant blow.

As reported in our analysis of Pochettino’s US return, his appointment was seen as risky and expensive from the start. Now, with United circling, those risks are magnified.

The financial implications are substantial. United would need to pay a significant sum to secure Pochettino, and then invest further in the squad to avoid relegation. Meanwhile, US Soccer would have to find a replacement capable of continuing the youth development project.

For a deeper look at the original decision to hire Pochettino, see our piece on Pochettino’s US return and why it was considered a risky move.

Ultimately, the coming weeks will determine whether Pochettino stays with the USMNT or makes a sensational return to club management with Manchester United.