Reports Place Pochettino at Top of United Shortlist Amid USMNT Camp
The Argentine manager reportedly has a $10 million buyout clause in his contract, fueling speculation about his future just three months after a new deal was finalized.
By Oliver Bennett ·
Reports from England on Tuesday identified Mauricio Pochettino as a leading candidate for the head coaching position at Manchester United. The suggestion emerged just three months after the Argentine signed a four-year extension with the United States men's national team. His contract reportedly includes a $10 million buyout clause, a financial structure that has been a point of focus since his initial arrival in the role.
Pochettino began his tenure two years ago after U.S. Soccer secured his signature with the help of donors. He became the highest-paid coach in the federation's history. His time in charge has been marked by frequent media inquiries regarding his potential move to Europe. He has previously discussed a desire to return to the Premier League and met with representatives from AC Milan prior to the recent World Cup. Tuesday's news from The Guardian places him in contention for United, a club that is expected to replace current manager Michael Carrick.
Defender Antonee Robinson addressed the reports shortly after they broke. He noted that similar rumors surfaced during the World Cup when other major clubs changed management. Robinson stated that the noise has not affected the team's daily work. "That news kind of got sprung on us, like the rest of the world, I'd say," Robinson said. "Similar things happened in the past.. for us to have a manager who's linked with those sorts of jobs means we're very lucky to work with a top-level manager but it never seems to leak into the work we do."
U.S. Soccer CEO J.T. Batson has maintained that the federation is prepared for various scenarios. Speaking in May during the initial Milan rumors, Batson explained that the organization holds monthly succession planning sessions. "We have plans for renewals," Batson said. "We have plans for interims and we have plans for replacements because you never know what's going to happen. It's a global sport, lots going on and so that's a standard part of us growing up as U.S. Soccer."
The federation also acknowledged that Pochettino had other offers before joining the U.S. team. Batson described the manager as a "big believer" in the American game despite external interest. The current situation is distinct because Pochettino is reportedly interested in the United offer, according to The Guardian. This development follows his decision to sign a new four-year deal earlier this year.
The team is currently preparing for upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti. While the coaching speculation dominates headlines, the squad focuses on its immediate competitive schedule. The next match is scheduled to test the tactical system Pochettino has implemented during the post-World Cup period.
If Pochettino departs, U.S. Soccer will face the challenge of finding a successor who can maintain the high-profile nature of the position. The federation has stated that it will continue its strategy of hiring coaches with strong international appeal. The next step for the USMNT is the match against Haiti, where the team will look to advance in the Nations League.
