USMNT Faces Coaching Uncertainty Amid Pochettino-Man United Links Before Haiti Clash
Reports link U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino to Manchester United, raising questions over who leads the team against Haiti.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — The U.S. Men's National Team is facing uncertainty over its leadership ahead of an upcoming fixture against Haiti, as reports link manager Mauricio Pochettino to a move to Manchester United, according to Goal and Tribuna. Pochettino remained in charge at Wednesday's training session at the Arthur M. Blank US Soccer National Training Center, greeting CEO JT Batson and players including Cavan Sullivan and Malik Tillman, Goal reported. His opening huddle introduced three U20 call-ups — goalkeeper Kayne Rizvanovich, Pedro Guimares and Jaidyn Contreras — rather than addressing the transfer speculation. According to reports out of England cited by Goal, Manchester United's leadership met in Monaco on Wednesday and concluded change was needed, with Michael Carrick set to be dismissed, possibly Thursday, and Pochettino expected to step in. Before any move, United must formally open the vacancy, and a buyout of roughly $10 million for Pochettino plus about $2 million for his staff would need to be resolved. Longtime assistant Jesus Perez would likely follow Pochettino, leaving no obvious successor; U-23 coach Steve Cherundolo is among those who could take over against Haiti. U.S. Soccer remains a third party to any negotiations. The reports remain unconfirmed.