Pochettino to Man United? The USMNT Coach and the Red Devils Relegation Nightmare

Manchester United are reportedly lining up USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino to replace Michael Carrick, according to ESPN ^[1]. The Red Devils currently sit in the relegation zone, a historic low that has forced the club’s hierarchy to consider a coaching change during the November international break.

The Independent reported ^[2] that there is growing expectation for Old Trafford to dispense with Carrick after a chaotic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa ended a winless streak. While the football leadership group, including Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, feel the time is right for a change, the final decision rests with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family.

Pochettino, who managed Tottenham and Chelsea in the Premier League, is the current favorite to take the helm. He signed a new contract with the United States national team until 2030, but The Independent notes that the deal includes a release clause. In September, Pochettino told the outlet that leaving the USMNT role before his contract expired was a possibility.

United’s interest in Pochettino is not new. He was linked to the job during Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s reign in 2018, 2020, and 2021. Other candidates on the shortlist include Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, Sebastian Hoeness, and Antonio Conte, but ESPN says there are reservations about each, leading to United’s procrastination.

Beyond the manager, United are hunting for defensive reinforcements. Football Insider reports the club wants to sign Nottingham Forest defender Murillo. The Brazil international, who joined from Corinthians for around €6 million in 2023, could now be worth ten times that amount. United are also reportedly interested in Manchester City left back Rayan Aït-Nouri. A January move for the 25-year-old would be a rare cross-city transfer, as direct moves between the rivals have not occurred since 2012.

The club is also scouting other targets. According to Nicolò Schira, United have been monitoring Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi and Monza striker Gustavo Varela. Varela, 21, has scored nine goals in ten Serie A appearances, attracting interest from multiple clubs.

Meanwhile, Liverpool is also in the market for center backs. Caught Offside reports that Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea are all interested in AC Milan’s Koni de Winter. The 24-year-old is being tracked by several Premier League giants as they look to shore up their defenses.

As the international break concludes, the focus at Old Trafford remains split between finding the right manager and strengthening the squad to avoid an unprecedented relegation battle. Whether Pochettino can navigate his contractual obligations to the USMNT and step into the hot seat remains the pivotal question for United’s future.