Manchester United may turn to USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino if they decide to replace Michael Carrick, according to ESPN. The Premier League club is struggling near the bottom of the table and faces the threat of relegation for the first time since the division’s inception. Carrick’s position has been increasingly unstable after a poor run of results, and talks about his future are ongoing with a growing acceptance that a change is needed.
Pochettino, who has managed Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea before taking over the United States men’s national team in 2024, has emerged as one of the leading candidates. He recently signed a contract extension with the USMNT in August, committing him until the 2030 World Cup. That deal includes a $10 million release clause, which Manchester United would have to meet to hire him.
The Red Devils’ start to the 2026-27 Premier League season has been poor, with only one win from ten games. Their campaign began with a 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull City, followed by a string of disappointing performances, including a derby loss to a depleted Manchester City side and a 2-0 defeat against Chelsea last week. Currently, Manchester United sits third from the bottom, one point above last place.
Alongside Pochettino, other names reportedly under consideration include former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, former Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, and Kieran McKenna, who previously managed Ipswich Town. However, Pochettino’s profile and availability have pushed him to the front of the queue.
Since taking charge of the USMNT, Pochettino has sought to inject fresh energy into the squad, focusing on young talent and aiming for a fresh start leading into the next World Cup cycle. His leadership helped the US team achieve its best World Cup performance in decades. His potential departure would leave the US team searching for a new direction, but the timing still allows for a replacement to be found well before the 2030 tournament.
Discussions inside Manchester United have not concluded, but the sense within the club and among its supporters is that the current situation is untenable. Carrick’s inability to reverse the team’s form has left the club exploring all options, and the possibility of recruiting a high-profile figure like Pochettino reflects the urgency of their predicament.
If United opts to pursue Pochettino, they must negotiate the $10 million release clause in his USMNT contract. That financial commitment would underline their intent to quickly stabilize the team and avoid relegation. The next few days or weeks will be critical in determining whether Pochettino moves from international to club management once again.
According to Yahoo Sports.