Mauricio Pochettino could have another chance to return to the Premier League. The Argentine coach is reportedly interested in taking the reins at Manchester United, a possibility that is gaining traction amid uncertainty about Michael Carrick’s future as manager at Old Trafford.
Although Pochettino recently extended his contract with the U.S. national team through 2030, his agreement with the U.S. Soccer Federation reportedly includes a clause that would allow him to negotiate with a major European soccer club.
The agreement includes a $10 million buyout clause, an amount that any club interested in hiring him would have to pay. Thus, the Argentine’s commitment to the U.S. national team would not be a definitive obstacle to his return to club soccer.
Manchester United’s current situation could open that door for him. The team is having a difficult start to the Premier League season, with just one win in its first ten matches—results that have put Carrick under intense pressure and left the club in the relegation zone.
Although the current coach is still leading training sessions, the front office is reportedly preparing a change on the bench. In that scenario, Pochettino emerges as one of the leading candidates to fill the position.
The Argentine coach is scheduled to lead the United States in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Nations League against Haiti, with the first leg set for this Saturday in Miami. However, it is still unclear whether Manchester United will attempt to formally move forward with his hiring before those international matches.
This wouldn’t be the first time Pochettino has appeared on the Red Devils’ radar. The coach was previously linked to the position in 2016, 2019, and 2024, although on those occasions the club ultimately chose José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Erik ten Hag, respectively.
His experience in the Premier League—particularly with Tottenham and Chelsea—as well as his stint at Paris Saint-Germain, keep him in the running for a return to European soccer.
Now, with a release clause that would facilitate his departure from the U.S. national team and a Manchester United side in search of answers, the possibility of seeing Pochettino back in England is beginning to take center stage.
