Mauricio Pochettino is still set to lead the USA during the international break, despite reportedly reaching an agreement with Manchester United, who have yet to dismiss manager Michael Carrick.
This unusual situation, in which an international manager appears to be leaving his post for a role that does not technically exist yet, means the Argentine boss may not take up his position at Old Trafford until after the international break concludes, leaving the Red Devils at a disadvantage from the start.
Compensation package reportedly agreed
United have taken initial steps to arrange a compensation package reportedly in the region of £7 million that would secure Pochettino's services, with a formal announcement expected very soon.
An international break is often seen as an ideal opportunity for struggling clubs to change their manager, as it can give the incoming boss nearly a fortnight to prepare his side. However, The Athletic reports that Pochettino is expected to honour his immediate commitment to the USA, with United's hierarchy reportedly comfortable with this arrangement.
Pochettino focuses on Haiti fixtures
The Americans are scheduled to face Haiti twice on home soil, after the Haitians were forced to relocate their fixture due to security concerns. Despite the widespread coverage of his links to United, Pochettino appeared unfazed and kept his players firmly focused on the task at hand.
When addressing his players and coaching staff at the start of training, he concentrated solely on the day's session, the three Under-20 players who had joined the squad, and other relevant matters, with no mention whatsoever of the Premier League club.
Defender Chris Richards said: "It's kinda been business as usual here." He acknowledged that he and team-mates had seen "all the reports and stuff," but "we've just kept our head down. We're training and playing like we don't hear anything."
"We're training like he's going to be the coach tomorrow, because we don't know what's gonna happen or what's not gonna happen. If you focus too much on what could happen, you won't be able to really focus on what is happening."
US Soccer faces tricky decision
Replacing Pochettino ahead of fixtures on Saturday and Tuesday is no straightforward task for US Soccer. The Americans are set for a two-legged 'home-and-home' clash with Haiti in the Concacaf Nations League, kicking off with Saturday's match in Miami, followed by the second leg on Tuesday in Cincinnati.
Should United demand Pochettino and his backroom staff, including long-serving assistant Jesus Perez, leave the moment buyout terms are finalised, it would place US Soccer bosses in an incredibly awkward predicament.
The situation leaves United in a bind, largely of their own making. Carrick is yet to be officially dismissed, despite his impending departure being an open secret.
While a £7 million deal with US Soccer to secure Pochettino has reportedly been struck, the club now face the alarming possibility of having no head coach in place when their players return from their scheduled break. Such an outcome would cast further serious doubt on the United hierarchy, who have been aware for weeks that Carrick's position is precarious.
Despite their determination to back him, results and performances have failed to turn around. Should Pochettino be handed the reins, he would face a baptism of fire at Liverpool having had just days to settle into the job.
