Mauricio Pochettino: Is He Going to Manchester United? Release Clause and USA Contract Explained

Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a leading candidate to become the next Manchester United manager, with reports suggesting that the Premier League club has reached an agreement in principle with the Argentine coach. His potential move has attracted significant attention because he is currently managing the United States men’s national team (USMNT).

Manchester United are considering a managerial change following a difficult start to the season under Michael Carrick. Pochettino is reportedly among the club’s preferred candidates, but his appointment depends on United’s final decision about Carrick and negotiations with U.S. Soccer.

The biggest obstacle is Pochettino’s recently signed contract with the United States, which reportedly includes a $10 million release clause.

Here is everything to know about Pochettino’s Manchester United links, release clause and USA contract.

Is Mauricio Pochettino Going to Manchester United?

Mauricio Pochettino could become Manchester United’s next manager, according to reports published on November 10 and 11, 2026.

Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Pochettino regarding a possible appointment. The club has discussed personal terms with his representatives, and reports suggest that no major obstacles remain on that side of the negotiations.

However, the move is not officially completed.

United must first make a final decision about Michael Carrick’s future. Carrick has faced increasing pressure following the team’s disappointing results and its position in the Premier League relegation zone.

According to reports, senior United officials are reviewing the situation before deciding whether to dismiss Carrick and appoint a replacement.

Pochettino is reportedly prepared to take the job if United formally move forward with the appointment.

The Argentine manager has previously been linked with Manchester United on several occasions. His experience in English football, particularly with Tottenham Hotspur, makes him an attractive candidate.

Why Does Manchester United Want Pochettino?

Manchester United are looking for a manager who can rebuild the team’s performances and restore consistency.

Pochettino has considerable Premier League experience. He managed Southampton and Tottenham before returning to England with Chelsea in 2023.

His strongest period came at Tottenham, where he developed an exciting team and guided the club to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final.

Pochettino is also recognised for his pressing system, attacking football and ability to develop younger players.

These qualities could appeal to United as the club looks for a long-term solution to its managerial problems.

His experience managing major European clubs and international players is another important factor behind the reported interest.

What Is Pochettino’s Manchester United Release Clause?

Mauricio Pochettino reportedly has a $10 million release clause in his contract with U.S. Soccer.

The clause would allow Manchester United to secure his services before the agreement expires in 2030, provided the contractual conditions are satisfied.

The reported fee is approximately £7 million to £7.5 million.

However, the overall cost could increase if United also want to bring Pochettino’s coaching staff to England.

Pochettino has worked with several trusted assistants for many years. Their involvement has been an important part of his managerial success.

According to reports, U.S. Soccer could receive additional compensation if Manchester United want to recruit members of his coaching team.

The release clause is therefore a major part of the potential transfer negotiations.

What Is Pochettino’s USA Contract?

Pochettino is currently the head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team.

He originally joined the USMNT in September 2024, with the responsibility of preparing the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On August 3, 2026, U.S. Soccer officially announced a new agreement with Pochettino that keeps him in charge through the 2030 World Cup.

The extension also gives his coaching staff a broader role in the development of American soccer.

Their responsibilities include supporting youth development, coaching education and the wider national-team pathway.

The agreement reflects U.S. Soccer’s desire to build a stronger programme ahead of the next World Cup cycle.

However, the reported Manchester United interest could change those plans if the English club activates the release clause.

Will Pochettino Leave the USA National Team?

Pochettino could leave the United States job if Manchester United complete the necessary negotiations.

The situation has become particularly interesting because the reports emerged shortly before the USMNT’s upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti.

Despite the speculation, Pochettino continued his coaching duties with the United States on November 11.

The national team’s official training footage showed him working with the squad as preparations continued.

This does not confirm that he will remain in charge, but it demonstrates that he has continued his responsibilities while the situation develops.

U.S. Soccer would need to address the contractual arrangements before any departure becomes official.

For now, his future remains connected to Manchester United’s managerial decision and the negotiations surrounding his release.

Pochettino’s Managerial Career Before Manchester United

Pochettino has managed several prominent clubs during his coaching career.

His experience includes:

• Espanyol: One of his early managerial jobs, where he began building his reputation.
• Southampton: Introduced an energetic style of football in the Premier League.
• Tottenham Hotspur: Guided the club to the 2019 Champions League final.
• Paris Saint-Germain: Managed a squad featuring several major international stars.
• Chelsea: Returned to the Premier League in 2023.
• United States: Took charge of the USMNT in September 2024.

His experience across club and international football makes him an experienced candidate for a major managerial position.

What Happens Next in the Pochettino-Manchester United Situation?

The next important development will be Manchester United’s decision regarding Michael Carrick.

If United decide to dismiss Carrick, Pochettino could move closer to becoming the club’s next head coach.

The club would then need to finalise the arrangements with U.S. Soccer, including the reported release payment.

The situation is also important for the United States because the federation recently committed to Pochettino through 2030.

Losing him would mean finding another coach to lead the national team through its next international cycle.

For Manchester United, however, Pochettino represents an opportunity to bring in a manager with proven Premier League experience.

Conclusion

Mauricio Pochettino is strongly linked with Manchester United following reports of an agreement in principle between the club and the Argentine coach.

His reported $10 million release clause and USA contract through 2030 are central to the situation. Although United are reportedly preparing for a possible appointment, the deal is not officially confirmed.

The final decision on Michael Carrick’s future and negotiations with U.S. Soccer will determine whether Pochettino returns to the Premier League.