Pep Guardiola
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The United States Soccer Federation has identified Pep Guardiola as its priority candidate to become the next head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team.

According to sources familiar with the situation cited by The Athletic, U.S. Soccer is prepared to pursue the Spanish tactician aggressively should current manager Mauricio Pochettino depart. The Argentine is increasingly expected to leave his post if Manchester United follow through with a formal offer to bring him to Old Trafford.

Federation officials fully recognize Guardiola’s standing as one of the most sought-after managers in world football and intend to make him their primary target in the event of a vacancy. While no official negotiations have taken place, U.S. Soccer has already begun mapping out contingency scenarios and stands ready to move swiftly should developments between Pochettino and Manchester United accelerate rapidly.