Pochettino set to leave USMNT as Manchester United close in on Argentine coach

Mauricio Pochettino is closing in on an exit from the United States men’s national team after Manchester United identified the Argentine as their primary target to replace Michael Carrick, who is expected to be dismissed by the club.

Pochettino signed a contract extension with U.S. Soccer in August that runs through the 2030 World Cup, following the USA’s round-of-16 finish at the 2026 tournament. Manchester United could, however, trigger a buyout clause in that deal reportedly worth nearly $10 million. Bringing the assistant coaches who have worked alongside Pochettino for more than a decade would cost millions more on top of that figure.

As of Wednesday, November 11, United had not yet officially parted ways with Carrick nor made formal contact with U.S. Soccer regarding Pochettino’s contract. The club has the remainder of the international break to finalise a replacement before returning to Premier League action at Liverpool on November 22.

Despite the mounting speculation, Pochettino is expected to remain on the U.S. touchline for at least the next two matches. He is in camp with the squad at U.S. Soccer’s National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia, preparing for the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti — the first leg on Saturday in Miami, the second on Tuesday in Cincinnati.

Should Pochettino depart, U.S. Soccer is expected to pursue Pep Guardiola as its top replacement target, according to The Athletic. The former Manchester City manager, who won six Premier League titles at the Etihad, has held past conversations with the federation and has long expressed interest in working in the United States.

If the federation opts for a domestic candidate, Nashville SC head coach B.J. Callaghan presents the most compelling case. Callaghan guided Nashville to a league-record points total in the 2026 MLS regular season and already has senior international experience, having led the USMNT to the 2023 Concacaf Nations League title as interim coach.