Manchester United makes formal contact with U.S. Soccer over Mauricio Pochettino move

Manchester United has made formal contact with U.S. Soccer regarding a potential move for Mauricio Pochettino, according to coverage from Yahoo Sports published on November 11, 2026. The report indicates that the Premier League club has initiated discussions with the governing body of American soccer about the Argentine manager, who is currently under contract as the head coach of the United States men's national team. The coverage does not specify the exact terms of the approach, whether a formal offer has been tendered, or the specific timeline for any potential transition. It also does not detail Pochettino's current contract status with U.S. Soccer or any release clause that might facilitate a move.

The Yahoo Sports report emphasizes the significance of a Premier League club of Manchester United's stature making a direct approach to a national federation for its sitting manager. The outlet frames the development as a notable intersection of club and international football governance, highlighting the procedural step of contacting U.S. Soccer directly rather than dealing solely with the manager's representatives. The coverage notes that this formal contact represents the first public indication of concrete interest from Old Trafford in Pochettino since he took the U.S. role, though it does not quote any officials from either organization or confirm mutual interest from the manager's side.

The context for this development includes Pochettino's appointment as U.S. men's national team head coach, a role he assumed ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup which the United States is co-hosting alongside Canada and Mexico. His tenure has been focused on preparing the squad for the tournament on home soil. Manchester United, meanwhile, has experienced managerial instability in recent seasons, cycling through several permanent and interim appointments since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. The club's reported interest in Pochettino dates back to previous managerial searches, including before his tenure at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, making this formal approach a continuation of a long-standing admiration from the club's hierarchy.

What to watch next includes whether U.S. Soccer will grant permission for further negotiations, the potential compensation package required to release Pochettino from his national team contract, and the timing of any move relative to the upcoming World Cup cycle. Coverage does not yet specify if Pochettino is open to leaving the national team post before the tournament, nor does it detail Manchester United's current managerial situation or whether this approach signals an imminent change at Old Trafford. The response from U.S. Soccer and the manager's camp will determine if this progresses beyond initial contact.