Updated

Updated · The Guardian · Nov 11

Pochettino Faces Manchester United Links as US Soccer Holds $10 Million Exit Clause

Updated

Updated · The Guardian · Nov 11

Pochettino Faces Manchester United Links as US Soccer Holds $10 Million Exit Clause

Q: Will a $10 million buyout clause be enough to stop Mauricio Pochettino from abandoning the USMNT for Manchester United?

Probably not. A $10 million release clause looks more like compensation for U.S. Soccer than a real deterrent to Manchester United. For a club of United’s scale, the fee is manageable. Multiple reports say the total cost would be higher once Pochettino’s staff are included, but even then it is still a relatively modest outlay for an elite club trying to avoid a full-blown crisis. United are reportedly deep into succession planning, and if they decide Pochettino is the preferred candidate, the buyout is unlikely to be the obstacle that stops them. The more important question is Pochettino’s own willingness to leave. On that front, the signs are significant. He has repeatedly spoken about wanting to return to Premier League management, sources say he would be interested in the United job, and his recent remarks about a “fresh start” and “new chapter” have only intensified doubts about his long-term commitment to the USMNT. His unfinished “See you next …” did not help. What the clause does achieve is protection for U.S. Soccer. It prevents a cheap exit, gives the federation leverage, and provides funds to support a rapid replacement search. Reporting also suggests U.S. Soccer anticipated this risk, with regular succession planning already in place. So the clause may slow the process and raise the price, but if Manchester United truly want Pochettino and he wants the move, $10 million is unlikely to keep him with the USMNT.

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Nov 11

Mauricio Pochettino’s ambiguous sign-off after the latest USMNT window intensified doubts he will stay through the 2030 cycle, with Manchester United now the clearest club link.
United’s interest fits Pochettino’s profile: a proven Premier League builder, a big-club manager with PSG and Chelsea experience, and a coach likely to attract approaches whenever an international break opens.
US Soccer partly insulated itself by securing a reported $10 million release clause in Pochettino’s renewed deal, money that could help fund his successor if a club move materializes.
That safeguard may matter quickly because the federation still lacks a sporting director after Matt Crocker’s April exit and would need a strong replacement hire to sustain momentum from the team’s World Cup run.