US soccer fans were sent into a frenzy on Monday by the news that Mauricio Pochettino is in pole position to join Manchester United.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Michael Carrick is facing the sack with United bosses leaning towards hiring a new coach during the international break.

Pochettino has emerged as a frontrunner for the role, despite signing a new contract following the World Cup, when he led the USMNT to the last 16.

The Argentine committed his future to the end of the next World Cup in 2030 but his contract includes a £7 million ($9.4 million) release clause. And news of Manchester United's interest left many USMNT fans fearing the worst.

'[That] was fun while it lasted!' one said. 'Wow - just when you thought things had settled a bit with the USMNT!' added a second, while a third said: 'Noooo they can’t have our coach!'

Many other supporters on social media refused to believe that Pochettino could leave but his future has been under the microscope ever since he took over in September 2024.

The 54-year-old has made no secret of his desire to return to the Premier League, while it emerged ahead of the World Cup that he had held discussions with AC Milan.

Pochettino's team sparkled en route to the last 16, only to crash out against Belgium after President Trump's intervention over the red card shown to striker Folarin Balogun.

His initial contract expired after the tournament but after weeks of uncertainty, the former Chelsea, Tottenham and Southampton coach signed a four-year extension.

He is slated to take charge of a Nations League double-header against Haiti during this international break, with a press conference set for Friday. 

Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, who were both under consideration when United gave Carrick more time to turn the season around following a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth last month, could also be in contention.