Pep Guardiola emerges as USA contender if Mauricio Pochettino takes Manchester United job

The United States Soccer Federation has identified former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as a potential candidate to lead the national team if Mauricio Pochettino leaves to take charge of Manchester United.

According to The Athletic, Guardiola’s name was discussed within the federation during its search for a new head coach. The organisation is understood to have a longstanding interest in the Spanish manager, who has previously shown an interest in working in the United States.

The Athletic previously reported that Pochettino is Manchester United’s preferred candidate to replace Michael Carrick if the club decides to change manager.

Should the Argentine depart, the United States Soccer Federation would seek to persuade Guardiola to move into international management. The 54-year-old has enjoyed an illustrious club career with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City, winning three Champions League titles, six Premier League titles, three La Liga titles and three Bundesliga titles.

However, The Athletic says Guardiola has shown little indication that he wants to return to management in the near future after leaving Manchester City at the end of last season.

Earlier this year, Guardiola turned down an opportunity to become manager of Italy. Despite that, his previous links with the United States could encourage the federation to make an approach.

Guardiola lived in New York for a year after leaving Barcelona in 2012 and has spoken positively in the past about the possibility of managing the United States national team.

The federation would have about four months to search for a new coach after the international break, with the United States not scheduled to play another competitive match until March. That timetable could give Guardiola additional time to rest before considering a return to coaching.

Guardiola’s departure ended a decade-long spell at Manchester City, during which he guided the club to six Premier League titles, three FA Cup triumphs and five League Cup victories. He also delivered the club’s first Champions League title.

Before taking charge at Manchester City, Guardiola won the Bundesliga in each of his three seasons with Bayern Munich. His most influential period came at Barcelona, where he won three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies with a side featuring Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.

His achievements at Manchester City came amid increasing scrutiny over alleged financial breaches by the club. Proceedings relating to the Premier League’s spending rules concluded with Manchester City being found guilty of a large number of the charges brought against them.