USA make Pep Guardiola 'top target' to replace Mauricio Pochettino

Guardiola is a top target to replace Pochettino as USMNT coach after the Argentine moves to Manchester United.

Mauricio Pochettino is set to leave his role as USA head coach to become Manchester United manager, with an official announcement expected soon. Michael Carrick was sacked by United on Thursday, clearing the way for Pochettino's appointment at Old Trafford.

US Soccer has identified Pep Guardiola, who departed Manchester City this summer after a decade in charge, as their preferred early choice to replace Pochettino. The federation has reportedly discussed the Spaniard internally across multiple levels of its hiring process.

Guardiola, 55, is currently the leading available coach in world football and has shown no immediate rush to return to management following his City exit. He previously turned down the Italy job a couple of months ago.

Guardiola has long been intrigued by the prospect of working in the United States and enjoyed his time in New York during a sabbatical after leaving Barcelona in 2012. US Soccer has previously held discussions with him about the role. The USA's next competitive fixture isn't until March, giving the federation time to conduct a thorough search and potentially allowing Guardiola several more months away from football.