Six Potential Replacements for USMNT Boss Mauricio Pochettino Following Man Utd Exit
Mauricio Pochettino’s move to Manchester United leaves U.S. Soccer searching for a manager who can build on his work and lead the Americans toward the 2030 World Cup.
Pochettino signed a deal on Friday to take charge of Manchester United, with his reported two-and-a-half-year tenure at Old Trafford officially beginning on Wednesday. He replaces Michael Carrick, who was dismissed just 24 hours earlier after United managed only one Premier League win in their opening 10 matches of the season.
The departure is a sudden blow to the USMNT, currently together for the November international window. United’s interest only began to emerge on Monday, and the 54-year-old Argentine had signed a four-year extension with U.S. Soccer in August, committing him through the 2030 World Cup.
Pochettino has agreed to oversee the two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal against Haiti before leaving. U-23 manager Steve Cherundolo will then take charge of December’s friendly against Jamaica.
The federation also has at least an additional $10 million from United’s buyout payment. That provides financial room to pursue a successor, but the brief is demanding: preserve the foundations Pochettino established while taking the team further. These six managers offer different routes toward that ambition.
B.J. Callaghan
An MLS record breaker with USMNT experience
B.J. Callaghan could be an outside contender after a historic run with Nashville SC. The 45-year-old from Ventnor City, New Jersey, already knows the national-team environment, having served as USMNT interim manager in 2023.
His first full Nashville season in 2025 produced club records for wins across all competitions, with 22, and an unbeaten run of 15 matches. Although Nashville did not win MLS Cup, Callaghan delivered the club’s first trophy, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
The 2026 campaign raised the standard again. Nashville collected 77 points, surpassing Inter Miami’s 2024 total of 74, while setting a series of other league records.
- Regular-season points
- 77
- Wins / losses
- 23 / 3
- Points per game
- 2.26
- Win percentage
- 79.4%
- Goals conceded
- 25
- Supporters’ Shield margin
- 13 points
That dominance has made Nashville a strong contender for a first MLS Cup. It could also make Callaghan difficult for U.S. Soccer to ignore, although his February contract extension runs through the 2028–29 season.
Pellegrino Matarazzo
Pellegrino Matarazzo offers a different American pathway. The 48-year-old from Wayne, New Jersey, a graduate of Columbia University’s soccer program, has built his reputation in Europe and is now in charge of Real Sociedad.
He arrived in San Sebastián in December 2025 to replace Sergio Francisco, becoming La Liga’s first American manager. Sociedad were 15th, just one point above the relegation zone.
By April, they had won the Copa del Rey, beating Atlético Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout. Matarazzo became the first American manager to win a major trophy in one of Europe’s top five leagues. Sociedad subsequently finished 10th and have started the new campaign strongly, sitting fifth.
Persuading him to leave less than a year into the job could be difficult, particularly after a recent two-year contract extension. Still, he has previously expressed interest in coaching his country.
“The chance to lead a national team—especially your own—is something special.”
“It was an honor to be associated with a role like that. Of course, I would be open to it in the future if the project fits and the timing is right.”
Julian Nagelsmann
Tactical flexibility, with defensive questions
Julian Nagelsmann is available after resigning following Germany’s shock round-of-32 World Cup defeat to Paraguay last summer.
The 39-year-old took charge of Germany in 2023 after spells with Hoffenheim from 2016–19, RB Leipzig from 2019–21 and Bayern Munich from 2021–23. He has shown interest in returning to club management, but a U.S. Soccer approach could offer another option.
His tactical flexibility could suit an American side still identifying its strongest combinations and formation. His aggressive pressing and counterattacking also overlap with the front-foot approach Pochettino used effectively at the World Cup.
The concern is defensive. Germany’s vulnerable backline contributed to their early exit, and improving that area is central to the USMNT’s own ambitions for 2030. Tim Ream’s international retirement has left a significant vacancy alongside Chris Richards, increasing the importance of finding both a dependable replacement and a reliable defensive structure.
Steve Cherundolo
Cherundolo offers the most straightforward route to continuity: extend his December interim assignment into a permanent appointment.
As the recently appointed U-23 coach preparing for the 2028 Summer Olympics, he has already worked closely with Pochettino. Their squads shared emerging players including Peyton Miller, Brooklyn Raines, Damion Downs and Cole Campbell, with the two coaches collaborating on their development.
His work with the U-23s is still to be tested, but his club record is substantial. In his first LAFC season, he won the 2022 Supporters’ Shield, set a record of 21 MLS wins for a first-year manager and finished the campaign with MLS Cup.
LAFC remained a Western Conference force in the years that followed, adding the 2024 U.S. Open Cup before Cherundolo stepped down at the end of 2025.
He also brings deep experience as a USMNT player. The former defender earned 87 caps between 1999 and 2012 and appeared at both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
Roberto Martínez
Extensive international experience
Roberto Martínez would bring years of international coaching experience. The 53-year-old managed Belgium from 2016–22 before taking charge of Portugal from 2023–26.
He guided Portugal to their second UEFA Nations League title in 2025, beating Spain on penalties. Spain reversed that outcome the following summer with a 1–0 World Cup round-of-16 win, after which Martínez resigned. He has remained a free agent.
His handling of Cristiano Ronaldo drew heavy criticism at the World Cup. Martínez was accused of indulging the 41-year-old by keeping him on the pitch for almost the entire tournament despite limited returns. Ronaldo scored twice in a 5–0 group-stage win over Uzbekistan; his only other goal was a penalty against Croatia in the round of 32.
The USMNT would present a different challenge, without a national figure of Ronaldo’s stature. Even Christian Pulisic, long known as “Captain America,” has seen his standing come under scrutiny.
Martínez reportedly remains open to another international role. His World Cup experience could appeal to U.S. Soccer, while his possession-based approach could complement an American team seeking to make more of its technical ability.
Pep Guardiola
Reportedly U.S. Soccer’s top target
One of football’s most successful managers is available, and Guardiola is reportedly U.S. Soccer’s “top target” to replace Pochettino.
The 55-year-old left Manchester City in May after a trophy-filled decade from 2016–26, citing a lack of “energy” and a desire to “rest.” Six months later, international management could offer a route back without the daily demands of club football.
His connection to the United States is well established. Guardiola lived in New York with his family during his 2012–13 sabbatical and has frequently returned, including a visit this fall to support City’s sister club, New York City FC.
Whether he is ready to return remains uncertain. But the potential appeal runs both ways: Guardiola could combine a less relentless schedule with the challenge of developing a team with considerable room to grow. For the USMNT, appointing him would raise expectations of a historic run at the 2030 World Cup.
