Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a leading target for Manchester United as the English powerhouse considers replacing manager Michael Carrick, according to multiple reports published Tuesday.
United executives convened Tuesday morning to evaluate the future of the 45-year-old Carrick, ESPN reported. The club sits in 18th place in the Premier League after managing only one victory in its first 10 matches, marking its worst start to a season at this juncture in 40 years.
Pochettino, 54, led the U.S. Men’s National Team to the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup earlier this year before signing a four-year contract extension in August designed to keep him in charge through the 2030 tournament. The Guardian reported that mutual interest exists between the Argentine manager and Manchester United, while ESPN described Pochettino as the front-runner for the position should United dismiss Carrick.
Buyout clause and Premier League ambitions
Any move to lure Pochettino back to England would carry substantial financial hurdles. His contract extension with the U.S. Soccer Federation includes a buyout clause in the ballpark of $10 million, The Athletic reported. Meanwhile, The Telegraph reported that while Pochettino is in no rush to depart the American program, he remains intrigued by the prospect of taking charge at Old Trafford and hopes to manage in European club soccer again.
Pochettino previously coached Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea in the Premier League, in addition to a spell at Paris Saint-Germain. During his time at Tottenham, he guided the squad to a Champions League final and a second-place league finish.
Should he make the switch, it would abruptly halt the momentum he has generated with the national team. Since the World Cup, the U.S. has won four consecutive matches, including victories over regional rivals Canada and Mexico, while integrating a new crop of young players into the squad.
Sullivan praises manager’s guidance
Among the emerging players elevated under Pochettino is 17-year-old Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan, who became the youngest goalscorer in program history during a recent match against Mexico.
Speaking on Tuesday ahead of the team’s upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal series against Haiti, Sullivan credited Pochettino with easing his transition to senior international soccer.
“He’s taken me under his wing in the most tremendous way possible,” Sullivan said. “I was obviously a young guy coming in and he told me to just play free and be myself and have confidence in my ability.”
Sullivan added that despite the encouraging atmosphere, Pochettino maintains high demands across the squad. “That didn’t mean I was let off the hook, or the standard was lower for me,” Sullivan said, noting that “everyone loves him as a guy.”
What comes next for the U.S. squad
The national team is currently preparing for a two-leg Nations League quarterfinal matchup against Haiti, scheduled for Nov. 14 and Nov. 17. The camp also marks the return of veteran forward Christian Pulisic, who missed earlier action after sustaining an injury during the World Cup loss to Belgium.
For now, Carrick remains the manager at Old Trafford, and Pochettino remains under contract with U.S. Soccer. Whether Manchester United formally triggers a coaching search and initiates buyout talks remains to be seen in the days ahead.
