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Mauricio Pochettino interested in leaving USMNT job for Manchester United
Mauricio Pochettino is interested in becoming Manchester United manager, and sources describe the interest as mutual. United are expected to dismiss Michael Carrick after a poor start that has left the club at risk of Premier League relegation.
A move would be complicated by a release clause of about $10m (£7.5m) in Pochettino’s US national team contract, with the cost rising if United also retain members of his staff. He joined the US in 2024, led the team to the 2026 World Cup last 16, and was reappointed through 2030. The US are due to play Haiti in two Concacaf Nations League matches, their first competitive fixtures of the new qualifying cycle.
In short
- Pochettino is interested in the Manchester United job.
- His US contract has a release clause of about $10m.
- The US are preparing for two matches against Haiti.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Manchester United could argue that Pochettino’s experience at major clubs and reported mutual interest make him a strong candidate to steady a struggling side. If the club believes he can reduce the risk of relegation and build for the future, paying the release clause may be justified by the sporting and financial stakes.
The case against
The US could argue that Pochettino was reappointed through 2030 after leading the team to the World Cup last 16, and that continuity matters as a new qualifying cycle begins. His departure, especially shortly before competitive fixtures, could disrupt the programme and make the cost of his release and staff arrangements poor value for the federation.