Pep Guardiola is poised to turn down the opportunity to succeed Mauricio Pochettino as United States manager after informing confidants he is holding out for the England job.
The former Manchester City boss is understood to be top of US Soccer's wanted list following Pochettino's move to Manchester United. Yet Guardiola is expected to rebuff any overtures to replace the Argentine, as he remains committed to taking a 12-month break from football after his decade-long stint at City, according to the Telegraph.
Guardiola's international ambitions
This comes despite his clear fondness for the US, where he previously spent time away from management while residing in New York. It is well documented that Guardiola harbours ambitions of international management at some stage.
Last year, he revealed: "I would love to be in a World Cup, in a Euro, a Copa America [as a manager]."
He held discussions about the Italy job, which ultimately went to Roberto Mancini, while he has also been touted for the Brazil post, presently held by Carlo Ancelotti.
England job in his sights
Nevertheless, it is apparently the Three Lions that Guardiola has set his sights on. The Daily Mail reported over the summer that the 55-year-old confided in friends that the England job is the appointment he covets in the future.
The FA sounded out Guardiola's interest before appointing Thomas Tuchel. The German's contract runs through the conclusion of Euro 2028, over 18 months from now.
That means Guardiola would need to remain patient or accept another club position while waiting for the England opportunity later in his managerial journey.
Pressure on Tuchel
Tuchel managed to weather calls for the sack following the World Cup semi-final capitulation against Argentina, before steering the side to the Nations League quarter-finals, topping their group with a statement win over Spain.
Yet questions continue to linger over England's capacity to overcome the world's elite at major tournaments. Tuchel faces enormous pressure to deliver the nation's first major honour since 1966 at the next Euros, with the bulk of fixtures set to be played on home turf.
Should he fall short, a reinvigorated Guardiola could be perfectly placed to step in. While his appointment would be warmly received by many, some feel a cloud hangs over his achievements at City after the club were found guilty of breaching 114 financial rules.
The club, who have always denied any wrongdoing, have lodged an appeal against the independent commission's ruling. With the outcome of the appeal and potential sanctions still unknown, the Premier League season resumes next weekend. City will be looking to return to winning ways when they face Fulham at the Etihad on Saturday. Meanwhile, Pochettino begins his United reign with an ominous trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday.
