Tottenham handed Mauricio Pochettino boost by Man Utd timeline decision
Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of reappointing Mauricio Pochettino have received a significant boost with Manchester United unlikely to pursue the Argentine due to World Cup timing constraints.
The former Spurs boss and Roberto De Zerbi have emerged as the leading contenders to replace interim head coach Igor Tudor in north London this summer.
Tottenham are searching for a permanent successor following the departure of Thomas Frank, but they faced potential competition from Manchester United.
However, a strategic decision regarding the recruitment timeline at Old Trafford appears to have cleared the path for the Lilywhites.
United’s pre-tournament deadline
Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly determined to have a new permanent manager in place before the 2026 World Cup begins on 11 June.
The Red Devils want to grant Michael Carrick’s successor maximum time to assess the squad and orchestrate transfer plans before pre-season.
This timeframe effectively rules out a move for Pochettino, who is currently contracted to the United States national team.
The 54-year-old is tasked with leading the co-hosts through the tournament, making him unavailable until the USA’s campaign concludes.
US Soccer Federation sporting director Matt Crocker would strongly resist any approach for the head coach immediately prior to a home World Cup.
Pochettino ‘open’ to future return
With Manchester United seeking an immediate appointment, the stars appear to be aligning for an emotional return to N17 for the Argentine tactician.
Pochettino previously guided the club to the Champions League final in 2019 and remains a popular figure among the Tottenham faithful.
Speaking to Spanish radio regarding the speculation, the USMNT head coach refused to rule out a future move.
“I’m always linked to Tottenham, just like at one time I was linked to Espanyol,” Pochettino said.
“In the end, especially because of my past at those clubs, when things aren’t going well, people tend to fall back on emotions and say, ‘Well, with Mauricio we played good football’.”
“But no. We’re focused on the World Cup, on the United States. My contract runs until after the World Cup, so after that we’ll see what might happen. Open to everything, right?”