USA confirm cancellation as 'Mauricio Pochettino agrees to become Manchester United manager'

No media access for the USMNT players ahead of crucial fixture at the weekend

The United States have cancelled their media access day, amid reports of a verbal agreement between head coach Mauricio Pochettino and Manchester United.

It has been widely reported that framework is in place for United to appoint Pochettino should current head coach Michael Carrick, as expected, be relieved of his duties, with the club sitting in the Premier League relegation zone on the back of their worst start to a season since 1986.

Pochettino is understood to be interested in the Old Trafford post, and according to The Athletic, his representatives spent Tuesday discussing personal terms with the club, with no major obstacles expected and a final agreement expected.

However, the possibility of the USMNT squad being asked to comment on the news of Argentine’s potential exit has been removed as US Soccer confirmed the planned media access with players scheduled for Wednesday had been cancelled in observance of Veterans Day.

With that said, Pochettino is due to address reporters on Friday in a pre-match press conference to preview USA’s CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final tie first leg against Haiti.

According to reports, there is a buyout clause in Pochettino’s USMT contract worth $10million (£7.44m) which Man Utd can trigger to bring back him to England.

Mauricio Pochettino is thought to be closing in on the Manchester United manager’s job

London Standard

The 54-year-old has not managed in the Premier League since a short spell with Chelsea during the 2023-24 season, though has previously teased a return to England.

“I miss the football scene in England. I love the country, its culture, the football culture,” he said in an interview with L’Equipe.

If Pochettino is appointed by United within the next few days, his first game in charge will be against Liverpool at Anfield a week on Sunday.