Courted by Manchester United, Pochettino stays silent ahead of Haiti vs. United States

Mauricio Pochettino, the United States head coach, is being linked with the Manchester United job three days before the first leg of the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Haiti. According to American and British media, the English club is considering him to replace Michael Carrick, whose future is in doubt after a difficult start to the season.

Nothing is official. As of Wednesday, neither the U.S. Soccer Federation, nor Manchester United, nor the Argentine coach had spoken publicly. The federation's chief executive, JT Batson, declined to comment. According to a source quoted in the American press, Manchester United had not contacted the federation as of Wednesday morning. Pochettino is due to speak to reporters on Friday.

A contract through 2030

In August, Pochettino extended his contract with the United States through the 2030 World Cup. According to press reports, a club wanting to hire him would have to pay the federation a release fee of about $10 million.

"Let's focus on Haiti"

In the American camp in Fayetteville, Georgia, the players say the rumors are not distracting them from the Grenadiers. "Until we're told otherwise, we have an opportunity to work with a great coach," captain Tyler Adams said on Wednesday. "Let's focus on the games that are at hand and winning these games against Haiti." Defender Antonee Robinson said the team was "very lucky" to have a world-class coach.

Two games in four days

Haiti will host the United States on Saturday, November 14, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern at NU Stadium in Miami. The second leg will be played on Tuesday, November 17, at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. Head coach David Badia will be without Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Jean-Kévin Duverne and Frantzdy Pierrot, all injured.