With Mauricio Pochettino heading to Manchester United, U.S. Soccer faces another defining hire. From ambitious global targets to familiar American faces, GOAL assesses who could lead the USMNT toward the 2030 World Cup.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel has backed Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo to flourish under new Manchester United boss Mauricio Pochettino. The American icon pointed to Dele Alli's Tottenham Hotspur rise as proof of the Argentine's coaching pedigree.
Mauricio Pochettino could not hide his emotions during a heartfelt farewell to the United States national team, breaking down in tears just moments after being confirmed as the new Manchester United manager. The Argentine has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year deal at Old Trafford, marking a stunning return to the Premier League as the successor to Michael Carrick.
Former USMNT star Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL why Gio Reyna has been “bouncing around” of late, with another transfer being completed in the summer of 2026. The 24-year-old playmaker now finds himself at Strasbourg in France, with the hope being that stability and consistency can be found by an enigmatic talent that remains “exceptionally good”.
Pochettino raised expectations and restored belief, but painful setbacks complicated his USMNT tenure. His exit to Man Utd puts that progress to the test.
Mauricio Pochettino has officially been named manager of Manchester United, ending his stint in charge of the U.S. Men's National Team. Pochettino will replace Michael Carrick in charge at Old Trafford as he calls time on his stay in the U.S. after just over two years at the helm, headlined by the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has voiced his support for Mauricio Pochettino as the club’s next manager, though he admitted a lingering fear that the Red Devils have missed the Argentine's prime. The search for a new leader at Old Trafford has intensified following the dismissal of Michael Carrick, who oversaw the club's worst domestic start in four decades.
Former Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is set to attend Bahia's Brasileirao clash against Coritiba on November 21 alongside City Football Group chief Ferran Soriano. The South American trip comes as the Catalan tactician is heavily linked with replacing Manchester United-bound Mauricio Pochettino as head coach of the United States.
A constellation of stars who defined the modern era of American soccer have been officially recognised for their contributions to the game. Icons including David Beckham and Megan Rapinoe lead the latest class of inductees to the National Soccer Hall of Fame. These legendary figures will be celebrated for their massive impact on both the international stage and the growth of the domestic game.
Pep Guardiola's pedigree is beyond question. But as Mauricio Pochettino nears the exit, the USMNT need more than another superstar to build toward 2030.
Pep Guardiola has emerged as a spectacular candidate to take over the United States men's national team if Mauricio Pochettino leaves for Manchester United. The former Manchester City manager is currently a free agent and has previously expressed a deep admiration for the long-term sporting potential of the country.
Mauricio Pochettino has been urged to take a hardline stance with the Manchester United hierarchy as he nears a return to the Premier League. The former Chelsea and Tottenham boss is the frontrunner to succeed Michael Carrick at Old Trafford, but club legend Gary Neville believes the Argentine must secure major guarantees before signing on the dotted line.
Manchester United are rapidly closing in on the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, but reports suggest the dressing room had other ideas for the top job. While the former Tottenham and Chelsea boss is the man chosen to lead the rebuild, a significant portion of the squad was reportedly holding out for a different Premier League rival.
Mauricio Pochettino could swap the USMNT for Man Utd’s familiar chaos. GOAL’s writers debate his legacy, his chances of reviving United and who should lead the U.S. next.
Pep Guardiola is set to be the United States' top target to replace Mauricio Pochettino, with the Argentine closing in on the Manchester United job. The former Manchester City boss came close to taking charge of Italy in the summer and has long been intrigued by working in America, having previously described the USA as "fascinating" for building a long-term project.
From singing The Police to meeting childhood idol Christian Pulisic, Cavan Sullivan is embracing life as the USMNT's little brother - and loving every minute of it.
Michael Carrick is facing the sack at Manchester United following a disastrous start to the Premier League season that has left the club battling relegation. The Old Trafford hierarchy have reportedly identified United States coach Mauricio Pochettino as their primary target to spark a revival.
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