Mauricio Pochettino might be heading to Old Trafford.
Then again, he might stay exactly where he is. But the United States Soccer Federation accepted the risks inherent in its decision to bring the Argentine tactician back as the U.S. men’s national team head coach following the 2026 World Cup.
Pochettino’s renown and reputation were part of the reason he was hired in the first place. The former Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea manager arrived with clout and with experience. He also served as the ideal public representative for a squad set to receive unprecedented media exposure with the World Cup being hosted on American soil. Now, that same prestige has made him a target for Manchester United.
The federation attempted to insulate itself against this reality by including a reported $10 million release clause in his contract. While this provision grants Pochettino the freedom to pursue other coaching roles, any club interested in his services must pay that $10 million fee to formally terminate his USMNT deal.
The club, currently struggling in the relegation zone through 10 matches, would have to trigger that fee to initiate a move for the 54-year-old manager.
The Reality of Global Coaching Markets
Top-level European soccer is so volatile that there were bound to be flirtations. As Pochettino noted after signing his extension, conditions change rapidly. “Four year’s time is a really long period. You never know what can happen in soccer,” he said. “Today, people really love you, but in ‘X’ time maybe that feeling changes.”
Although some supporters might interpret a possible exit as a disregard for the USMNT’s long-term objectives, the federation was fully aware of this possibility when it initially hired him, and it possessed a clearer grasp of the implications following the 2026 World Cup.
"Mauricio Pochettino is indeed a candidate for Manchester United."@tombogert has all the latest regarding a possible Mauricio Pochettino to Manchester United move as the #USMNT head coach continues to be linked to the job 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/xwX4MF0QHq
This sentiment highlights a fundamental tension in American soccer. To grow the game and compete at the highest level, the federation sought a coach with a pedigree in the Premier League and other top leagues. However, such coaches are inherently tied to the gravitational pull of global clubs. Manchester United remains one of those brands that, regardless of its current struggles, captures the imagination of managers and players alike.
The Strategic Gamble
Yet, for an ambitious manager, the allure of restoring a historic club is a powerful motivator. If he succeeds, his reputation would be permanently cemented.
For the USSF, the timing is difficult but perhaps inevitable. If a separation is to occur, doing so during a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal is arguably better than next year when the U.S. will be fighting for two major trophies. It provides the federation with a window to pivot, even if it leaves fans frustrated by the instability.
Pochettino is set to lead the USMNT against Haiti in the CONCACAF Nations League on Nov. 14 and Nov. 17. As he stated earlier this summer, “If we don’t believe in the process, if we don’t believe in the journey, why would we sign four years? We signed it because we think we can arrive to the end. But in life and less in football, nothing is sure.”
More on Manchester United
🚨 | EXCLUSIVE : MAURICIO POCHETTINO 🇦🇷 Manchester United have scheduled a official meeting with Mauricio Pochettino in the next days, club sources confirm! 🇦🇷🚨🔴#MUFC Verbal contacts took place between Poch's camp and MUFC to discuss initial discussions and plan meeting. Now… pic.twitter.com/qNxT82BWJG
Mauricio Pochettino would be open to a move to Manchester United, multiple sources have told BBC Sport. Pochettino signed an extension to his contract as USA coach in August. However, the deal is thought to contain clauses that would allow him to leave for specific high-profile… pic.twitter.com/WuPDtzUZ69
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