Manchester United set for key Mauricio Pochettino breakthrough as USA target Pep Guardiola

Pochettino expected to join Manchester United; US Soccer targeting Pep Guardiola as USMNT replacement.

Manchester United appear close to appointing Mauricio Pochettino as head coach, with talks advanced and personal terms reportedly near completion. The Argentine would replace Michael Carrick, whose departure is expected following a meeting of United's hierarchy.

Pochettino's move would leave the US Men's National Team without a manager. US Soccer has identified Pep Guardiola as their top target to replace him, though the Spaniard has shown little recent interest in returning to management after leaving Manchester City. Guardiola turned down the Italy job earlier this year.

United are understood to be willing to pay the $10 million release clause in Pochettino's USMNT contract. He is still expected to manage the USA's upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final against Haiti before any move materialises.