Mauricio Pochettino's links to Manchester United a natural consequence of USMNT's big swing to hire him

Pochettino's reported interest in the Manchester United job reflects the pattern established when U.S. Soccer hired him as USMNT coach, knowing his international profile would attract other clubs.

Mauricio Pochettino's emergence as a contender for the Manchester United manager role is the latest chapter in a recurring theme of his tenure with the U.S. men's national team. Since joining the USMNT two years ago, Pochettino has been linked with several high-profile positions, including AC Milan and a return to the Premier League, while regularly expressing his affection for Tottenham Hotspur.

U.S. Soccer was aware of this dynamic when they hired him as their highest-paid coach ever, securing his signature through donor funding and reportedly including a $10 million buyout clause in his post-World Cup contract. The federation understood that bringing a coach of genuine international stature meant other elite clubs would inevitably pursue him.

Pochettino's representatives have been transparent about these interests throughout his time with the USMNT, according to CEO J.T. Batson, who noted in May that there had been "a longer list of outreach than what has even been reported." Defender Antonee Robinson acknowledged the pattern, saying such speculation is an expected consequence of working with a top-level manager.

The Manchester United job, currently held by Michael Carrick, is expected to become available, making Pochettino a natural candidate.