Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the United States men’s national team, has emerged as a key candidate for the Manchester United managerial vacancy. Multiple sources indicate that the interest between the Argentinian coach and the Premier League club is mutual. This potential move comes as Manchester United considers parting ways with current manager Michael Carrick following an abysmal start to the season that has left the club in danger of relegation, marking their worst campaign opening in four decades. Securing Pochettino’s services is far from simple or inexpensive. According to the Athletic first, The details of Pochettino’s buyout.
Acquiring Pochettino would be a complex and expensive endeavor. Reports confirm his contract includes a release clause valued at approximately $10 million, or £7.5 million. This financial commitment could increase significantly if the Premier League side seeks to secure Pochettino’s entire coaching staff, including his long-standing assistant and close confidant, Jesús Pérez. Pérez has been a constant presence by Pochettino’s side for 16 years, spanning tenures at Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, PSG, and Chelsea. According to the Argentinian’s contract contains a release clause in the neighborhood of $10m (£7.5m), multiple sources familiar with the deal, This week, a figure that grows should United choose to retain Pochettino. From La Liga side Espanyol in 2010 to stops at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, PSG and Chelsea in the 15 years that followed, pérez has served alongside Pochettino at every stop in his coaching career. In particular his second-in-command, Jesús Pérez, pochettino enjoys an unusually close relationship with his assistants.
Pochettino joined the USMNT in 2024 but oversaw a disappointing last-16 exit during the 2026 World Cup. By most accounts a disappointment, pochettino was brought on by the US in 2024 and guided the USMNT to a last-16 finish at the 2026 World Cup.
Despite this, US Soccer recently extended his contract through 2030, with both parties publicly committing to a long-term vision aimed at improving the national team’s performance and revamping the country’s youth development framework. Following the renewal, Pochettino told reporters, “Every time we sign a contract, it’s to go to the last day of the contract. If we sign a four-year contract, we need to think to arrive there. He further emphasized his professional integrity, questioning the value of signing agreements without genuine belief in the process, though he acknowledged the volatile nature of the sport by adding, “In life, nothing is sure. Less in football.” US Soccer brought him back through 2030, with both sides expressing a mutual belief and commitment towards not only brightening the fortunes of the US men but also overhauling the federation’s approach towards youth development. And we signed the contract because we really believe that we are going to be four years there. Only to be sure that we are going to receive a salary at the end of the month. In short, there are no shortage of reasons for him to leave the US.
The timing of this speculation is notable as the USMNT prepares for upcoming Concacaf Nations League matches against Haiti in Cincinnati and Miami, which represent the opening of the 2030 qualifying cycle. Pochettino is expected to address the media this Friday.
Pochettino’s desire for a return to English club football is well-documented. He has repeatedly signaled his intent to manage in the Premier League again, telling Sky Sports in September that he aspires to build a project with championship potential. In late 2025, he expressed similar sentiments to the BBC, noting his appreciation for the league’s quality and his personal desire to return to the day-to-day rhythm of club management, a facet of the job he thrives in. Beyond his professional ambitions, he maintains a home in London and remains fond of the British football culture. According to in late 2025 he, Much the same, telling the BBC he believed the league was the best in the world and adding “of course I am missing it.
Should a departure occur, US Soccer already has potential contingency plans in place. Having previously engaged with high-profile figures like Jürgen Klopp, the federation is not without options. Domestically, potential candidates could include U-23 head coach Steve Cherundolo or Nashville SC manager BJ Callaghan, who recently led his team to a record-breaking points total in MLS. For the federation, a transition now would provide a successor nearly a full four-year cycle to build, while also netting the organization a significant payout in release fees. Several domestic candidates could fit the bill – current U-23 head coach Steve Cherundolo being one, in the nearer term. Prior to bringing the Argentine on board, US Soccer reached out to or spoke to several other high-profile candidates, most notably former Liverpool and current Germany boss Jürgen Klopp.
Pochettino’s departure would almost certainly include his core team, including Miki D’Agostino and goalkeeper coach Toni Jiménez, who have worked with the manager since the beginning of his career. The tight-knit nature of this group suggests they are a package deal, making any potential recruitment by Manchester United a significant undertaking for the club’s leadership.
