Manchester United will do the due diligence on USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino if they decide to sack Michael Carrick.

According to a report by Pete O’Rourke on Football Insider, Mauricio Pochettino is the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils are ready to explore a move for the USMNT head coach amid uncertainties surrounding Michael Carrick’s long-term future.

However, per Pete O’Rourke, while the struggling Premier League giants are “keen to delve deeper into his situation in the USA”, prising Pochettino away from his current job may be an uphill task. The report cites the former Chelsea and Tottenham manager’s new contract, which ties him to the USMNT until 2030, meaning securing his services will not be a cost-effective deal.

Mauricio Pochettino and his career so far

Mauricio Pochettino has experienced mixed fortunes in the managerial world since enjoying his breakthrough in the Premier League over a decade ago. A centre-back as a footballer, the South American represented well-known clubs like Espanyol and Paris Saint-Germain while making 20 appearances for Argentina.

The 54-year-old hung up his boots in 2006 after his second spell with Espanyol before taking charge of the Catalan club as the head coach. Since then, Pochettino has seen his stock soar, rising in prominence during his spell with Southampton before enjoying a successful stint with Tottenham Hotspur.

While the spell with Tottenham did not yield a trophy, the Argentine tactician guided the North London outfit to the UEFA Champions League final a few years ago. Since leaving Spurs, he has had two short stints with PSG and Chelsea, showing promise at both clubs without lasting for a long time. After his shock departure from Chelsea, Pochettino has been the head coach for the USMNT, and he guided the team to the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What next?

While Mauricio Pochettino has endured a topsy-turvy ride, he has managed a solid 60% winning rate as the USMNT head coach. Meanwhile, the former Chelsea manager remains on Manchester United’s radar amid uncertainties surrounding Michael Carrick’s long-term future following scrutiny of the senior side’s form.

The Red Devils have endured a disastrous start to the 2026/27 campaign, falling to 18th in the Premier League standings after winning only three of their first 15 games across all competitions. A substandard UEFA Champions League campaign has left them 17th on the table, while they are already out of the EFL Cup after squandering a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Several candidates, including Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, have thus emerged on Manchester United’s wishlist, with Pochettino also a viable target. Recent reports have claimed that Howe is ready to join the ailing Premier League club, with Nagelsmann also having a similar stance. So, a move for Pochettino may not be straightforward, considering the potential cost and the willingness of other candidates.