Michael Carrick's Hot Seat: Manchester United Close In On Pochettino, United States National Team Lures Guardiola

Pep Guardiola's name has been dragged into the Manchester United manager change saga. However, the former Manchester City boss is not a candidate to replace Michael Carrick at Old Trafford. Instead, uncertainty over Carrick's future could open the door for Guardiola to take charge of the United States men's national team.

The United States Soccer Federation (U.S. Soccer) is reportedly listing Guardiola as their top priority target should Mauricio Pochettino step down from the men's national team head coach role to join Manchester United.

Reports from The Athletic cited by multiple outlets note that Guardiola's name has already been discussed internally within the federation. U.S. Soccer aims to persuade the Spanish coach to return to management after he departs Manchester City at the end of the 2025/2026 Season.

This plan is closely tied to Carrick's situation at Manchester United. The English manager's position has grown increasingly fragile after the Red Devils' terrible start to the season. They currently sit 18th in the English League Standings, having collected only eight points from 10 matches.

According to The Guardian, United's board has reached a preliminary agreement with Pochettino to take over as manager if Carrick is sacked. No final call on Carrick's future has been confirmed, as the matter still requires going through the club's internal review process.

Pochettino remains contracted to U.S. Soccer until the 2030 World Cup. The Argentine coach signed a four-year Contract Extension back in August, after guiding the United States to the World Cup Round of 16 2026.

Should Pochettino's move to Old Trafford materialise, U.S. Soccer will need to find a replacement with equivalent pedigree and top level experience. Guardiola is regarded as one of the most fitting candidates for the vacancy.

This is not the first time the United States Soccer Federation has set their sights on Guardiola. They first showed interest in hiring him following the 2022 World Cup.

Another formal approach was made after the 2024 Copa America, when U.S. Soccer began searching for Gregg Berhalter's replacement. Guardiola and former Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp were both shortlisted at the time, before the federation ultimately appointed Pochettino.

The United States' interest in Guardiola is not unfounded. The 55-year-old coach holds an extensive, elite track record at club level.

Across 10 seasons in charge of Manchester City since 2016, he has delivered six Premier League titles, one Champions League trophy, three FA Cups and five Carabao Cups.

Guardiola has previously spoken positively about the long term potential of football in the United States, noting the country has all the necessary foundations to build an ambitious national team project.

"The United States is a fascinating place to build a multi-year long term project, and lift the national team to the next level. All the potential exists here: the population size, sporting ecosystem, every required factor," Guardiola stated when Pochettino was first appointed as United States head coach.

This interest also carries personal context. Guardiola lived in New York for one full year after leaving Barcelona in 2012.

Even so, there is still no certainty U.S. Soccer will successfully recruit Guardiola. After leaving Manchester City at the conclusion of the 2025/2026 season, he is widely expected to take an extended break from football to spend more time with his family.

Guardiola already rejected an approach from the Italy national team back in July for this exact reason, stating he wished to take time away from the sport. For this reason, his status as top target does not guarantee a final agreement will be reached.

The ongoing drama at Old Trafford risks triggering a domino effect that will stretch into International Football.

As Carrick faces mounting pressure at Manchester United, Pochettino edges closer to a Premier League return, while Guardiola is lined up as the United States' planned replacement should their national team head coach position become vacant.

Until any official announcements are made however, Guardiola remains only a target for U.S. Soccer, and Pochettino has not formally departed his post with the United States national team.