The United States Soccer Federation made the ambitious move this summer to retain USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino for a second World Cup cycle. But if reports out of England are to be believed, it may be a short stay for the USMNT coach.
Pochettino led the USMNT to a historic World Cup performance on home soil before crashing out in the Round of 16 to Belgium. And despite that disappointing exit, the USSF wanted to keep Pochettino's vision for the program going for a full four-year cycle.
Now, when Pochettino agreed to stay on as USMNT coach, there were immediate concerns that he would jump at the next big Premier League vacancy. He shrugged off those concerns but didn't outright deny it. According to ESPN, that could be put to the test soon
with Manchester United in the relegation zone through 10 matches.
Via ESPN:
Mauricio Pochettino would be open to the prospect of returning to the Premier League with Manchester United, sources have told ESPN, despite only recently signing a new long-term contract as the United States men's national team head coach.
How United would be allowed to hire Pochettino
While United manager Michael Carrick is still employed, the expectation is that he will be fired unless the Red Devils turn things around quickly. But there's a financial roadblock to actually hiring Pochettino away from the U.S.
The USSF wanted some kind of protection from Pochettino leaving mid-cycle, so a $10 million out clause was added to his deal. It allows Pochettino to interview for outside coaching vacancies, but the club would have to pay that $10 million fee to trigger a release from the USMNT contract.
For a club like Manchester United, that might not be a huge deal. But it's still something to consider.
For now, Pochettino remains USMNT head coach. He's set to lead the USMNT against Haiti in the CONCACAF Nations League on Nov. 14 and Nov. 17.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: How Manchester United would be able to get Mauricio Pochettino to leave USMNT contract early
