Pep Guardiola as the preferred candidate if Pochettino joins United
While the US soccer federation is looking for a successor to Mauricio Pochettino, because his possible move to Manchester United is being discussed, Pep Guardiola is already considered its top candidate, and The Athletic reports that the federation is evaluating the candidate at several stages of the hiring process.
US federation examines Guardiola as top candidate
Pep Guardiola is the preferred candidate of the US soccer federation. The federation regards him as the top candidate for the national team manager position.
He is considered the top favorite if Mauricio Pochettino moves to Manchester United despite his contract, which has been extended until 2030. In that scenario, Guardiola would immediately enter the shortlist.
Guardiola has been on the US federation's radar as a candidate even before the appointment of Pochettino. The Athletic reports that this consideration existed before Pochettino's hiring.
The US federation has already held talks with Guardiola and he showed interest in the project in the United States. In past dialogues he said that the country is fascinating for a long‑term football project.
During his sabbatical phase, Guardiola lived for a year in New York City. He used that time to get to know the US football environment.
Guardiola already lived in New York in 2012 and at that time held several talks with the US federation. Those early contacts are now becoming relevant again.
The US federation hopes that, despite his reticence, he can still be convinced. Intern, they are discussing how to win him over for the role.
Manchester United in turbulence
Mauricio Pochettino is set to take over Manchester United as the new head coach. The Argentine manager is close to securing the position.
Pochettino was already a candidate in 2022, but United chose Erik ten Hag at that time. This earlier candidacy shows the club's ongoing interest.
The current situation at Manchester United is a relegation battle. The team sits in 18th place after only one win in the first ten Premier League matches.
United suffered defeats against Como (1‑4) in the Champions League, Bournemouth (0‑3) in the league and were eliminated in the League Cup by Brighton in mid‑September. These results highlight the poor form.
Nevertheless, United turned around two 0‑2 deficits, for example against Roma (3‑2 win) and Aston Villa (4‑4 after 0‑2 and 2‑4 deficits). These comebacks showed the potential.
Michael Carrick, who led United back into the Champions League last season, now faces the exit. His future is uncertain.
United is currently considering the dismissal of Carrick during the ongoing international break. According to reports, the decision is expected soon.
If United were to release Carrick and bring in Pochettino, the US national team would have to pay a release clause of ten million euros for the Argentine. This financial commitment would be substantial.
Guardiola rejects national and club‑side return
After ten successful years at Manchester City, Guardiola did not renew his contract. He left the Sky Blues to pursue new avenues.
After Italy's failed World Cup qualification, he was close to being appointed as coach of the Italian national team. Paolo Maldini confirmed the meeting in Barcelona.
Maldini recounted that they had lunch together and Guardiola wrote line‑ups on paper. This closeness underscores his serious interest.
Money was not an issue; Guardiola said, give me one euro less than the previous national coach, and it would be fine. The alleged 20 million euros played no role.
He turned down the offer because, after ten grueling years in the Premier League, he feels exhausted and has undergone a back operation. He wants to rest.
Guardiola emphasized that he is not ready to take over another club or national team again. This statement underscores his current period of rest.
Before his stint at Bayern, he lived in New York for a year before taking the sabbatical. This experience strengthens his connection to the United States.
He has repeatedly emphasized that he would love to be on the sidelines at a World Cup, with his preferred team previously being Spain, which is now coached by Luis de la Fuente. That dream remains.
Despite his popularity, he remains a candidate for big clubs that have dismissed a manager. The market sees him as a possible solution.
In the summer he was still in talks for the Dutch national team, but there were no concrete negotiations with the KNVB. Those negotiations eventually fell through.
The contrast between the ambitious US federation, which is looking to Guardiola as the key for a resurgence, and the precarious situation of Manchester United, which is fighting for the signing of Pochettino, highlights that both parties face decisive choices.