Guardiola among candidates to become USA coach if Pochettino leaves for United

USA are considering Guardiola as a successor to Pochettino if the Argentine joins Manchester United, according to The Athletic.

With Mauricio Pochettino close to becoming Manchester United's next manager, the US Soccer Federation is already looking ahead to his replacement. According to The Athletic, Pep Guardiola is among the top candidates being considered to take over the national team job.

Guardiola previously turned down the Italy job when Paolo Maldini and Leonardo approached him after his decade-long spell at Manchester City ended. He chose to step back and spend time with his family, having done so before after leaving Barcelona when he moved to New York for a year to recharge.

Pochettino, who recently renewed his contract with the USMNT through 2030, is preparing for two Concacaf Nations League matches against Haiti this week. Manchester United would need to pay a £7 million release clause to free him from his national team duties.