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

While the Argentine has emerged as United’s No1 option to succeed Carrick, should he make a surprise return to the Premier League, it would leave the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) without a manager.However, the Athletic have reported that plans are in place to deal with a potential departure as U.S. Soccer is expected to make Pep Guardiola their top target to replace Pochettino.The report adds that the Spaniard has been discussed internally as a candidate across multiple levels of the federation’s hiring process. However, Guardiola has shown little recent interest in an imminent return to management.Pep Guardiola is currently a free agent after leaving Manchester UnitedGettyWith US Soccer discussing candidates to replace Pochettino, it would appear they are resigned to the fact that the 54-year-old is Old Trafford-bound.That said, the Athletic have also revealed that Pochettino is still expected to take charge of the USA's upcoming games against Haiti in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League.