Mauricio Pochettino replacements: Best fits for USMNT if manager bolts for Manchester United originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After a feel-good World Cup on home soil and a long-term contract committing Mauricio Pochettino to summer 2030, the USMNT was all set for the medium to long term.
Advertisement
The September international break gave us the first look at a youthful roster honing their skills under one of the most respected coaches of modern times.
But then Manchester United happened to the best-laid plans.
According to multiple sources in the UK, Pochettino has been identified as the man to haul Old Trafford out of its latest crisis. United will have to pay compensation in the region of $10m to get Pochettino out of his U.S. Soccer contract, with further recompense due for his coaching staff.
So who will the United States federation invest in next at this crucial juncture?
Advertisement
Canidates to replace Mauricio Pochettino as USMNT manager
Pep Guardiola
First up, let’s get the moonshot out of the way. Guardiola is on sabbatical after a decade at Manchester City, so he would need to be persuaded to come back to work ahead of schedule. He would also not come cheap.
But this isn’t a non-starter. When Guardiola last took time out of club management for the duration of the 2012/13 season, he lived in New York and has an affinity for the United States. He also wants to take on an international job before the end of his career. Managing his native Spain would appear to be out of the question on account of Guardiola’s support for Catalan self-determination. England are tied up with Thomas Tuchel until Euro 2028, and Guardiola knocked back enquiries from Italy last summer, doubling down on his intentions to take a break.
Advertisement
It means there might be a window of opportunity for U.S. Soccer to make the case to the most influential coach of the 21st century to shape and guide a new era with a long-term vision.
Erling Haaland and Pep Guardiola Manchester City
Getty Images
Roberto Martinez
A far more attainable Spanish coach, Martinez has become a specialist in the international game through long spells in charge of Belgium and Portugal over the past decade. He was mentioned in dispatches when Pochettino’s long-term future was a matter of speculation prior to the World Cup.
Being used to the pace of international management is definitely a plus, and Martinez can point to overseeing several solid tournament showings, most notably when he guided Belgium to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup. At the same time, plenty of critics feel he squandered the full potential of two golden generations with the Red Devils and the Selecao.
Advertisement
Steve Cherundolo
If United wrap up their swoop for Pochettino in quick time, U.S. Under-23 coach Cherundolo would likely step in on an interim basis for the upcoming doubleheader against Haiti.
Cherundolo getting the job long-term might feel like a cop-out of convenience from U.S. Soccer, but plenty of nations around the world can point to the benefits of appointing someone already in the building. Luis de la Fuente’s successes with Spain are a prime example of this.
Admittedly, Cherundolo has only been in post since July, and his elevation would necessitate a reworking of USA men’s plans for the 2028 Olympic Games. But this 47-year-old, well-respected former international showed his chops when his LAFC claimed the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup in 2022. There are certainly far worse options.
Advertisement
Mikey Varas
Another decent “company man” option, Varas was in charge of the USA Under-20 side from 2021 to 2023, when he won the CONCACAF U-20 Championship in 2022 and led his team to the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIFA U-20 Championship.
He also worked as an assistant for the senior side and took charge of two matches as interim before Pochettino’s appointment was confirmed in 2024. The 43-year-old Californian is currently in charge of San Diego FC, which finished top of the Western Conference on its MLS debut in 2025. They missed out on the postseason this time around.
Mikey Varas USA U-20 head coach
Getty Images
Advertisement
B.J. Callaghan
Callaghan served as USMNT interim head coach in 2023, taking charge of the CONCACAF Nations League Finals campaign and winning the trophy before Gregg Berhalter returned. But the 45-year-old’s case can now primarily be made on the back of his superb work at Nashville SC.
In his first full season in 2025, Callaghan oversaw 22 single-season wins and a streak of 15 games unbeaten across all competitions – both franchise records. They also collected the U.S. Open Cup.
2026 in Nashville has been a revelation. Callaghan’s side are heavy favourites to lift the MLS Cup after setting a record regular season points tally of 77, with 23 wins and just three defeats.
MORE: What Man City guilty verdict means for Pep Guardiola’s legacy
Advertisement
Rudi Garcia
Perhaps U.S. Soccer could go for the man who beat the man. It’s fair to say that if the U.S. had reached the quarterfinals or beyond at the 2026 World Cup, Pochettino’s stock would have been high enough to land a prime job without Manchester United plunging back into crisis.
But he didn’t. He was outcoached by Rudi Garcia, whose Belgium ran out 4-1 winners before falling to Spain in the next round. They were the only team to score against Spain in the entire tournament.
This marked a surprising upturn for Garcia, whose career had been beset by high-profile failures over recent years. He and Belgium parted company at the end of the World Cup. The opportunity to stay in the international game would probably appeal.
Getty Images
Advertisement
Wilfried Nancy
Another French candidate after Garcia. And, if we’re honest, one who might not prove any more popular with fans. Nancy did a superb job when he led Columbus Crew to the MLS Cup in 2023. He followed that up with the Leagues Cup in 2024, when he was also named MLS Coach of the Year.
Nancy is currently available and has not worked since a reputation-shredding month in charge of Scottish giants Celtic from December 2025 to January this year, when he won two and lost six of eight matches. There would be concerns over whether Nancy could impart his detail-heavy take on positional play with the fleeting time available to an international coach.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
