Antonee Robinson isn’t holding back. The USMNT defender told reporters this week that news about coach Mauricio Pochettino’s potential exit for Manchester United “kind of got sprung on us like the rest of the world.” That’s a straight-up, no-chaser admission as massive rumors link Pochettino to a struggling Red Devils squad.
The Squad Stays Locked In
Robinson spoke on Tuesday from the training center in Fayetteville, Georgia, making it clear the team isn’t letting this talk distract them. Their focus is laser-sharp on winning two Nations League games. He’s seen this rodeo before, noting similar things happened after the World Cup when big teams went manager-hunting. These players are used to a fast-changing environment, plain and simple. Robinson’s exact words hit hard: “It’s just working with what we’ve got until things change, and I don’t really think it affects many of us, to be honest.” You gotta love that grit. Pochettino himself greeted the media on Tuesday, but stayed silent on the Manchester United reports. He is reportedly all about maximizing the team’s potential, and the players know they are on the same page as their manager. They have a big game this weekend, and they’ve got to be ready.
The Red Devils and a Hefty Price Tag
So why all the buzz? ESPN reports Pochettino is the absolute frontrunner to replace Michael Carrick at Old Trafford. Carrick has only one measly league win after ten matchdays, leaving the Red Devils stuck in the relegation zone. Can you believe it? Manchester United executives are expected to meet with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to hash out Carrick’s future, and reports suggest they are leaning hard toward recommending his dismissal.
But here’s the kicker: A move to England won’t come cheap for the Red Devils. Securing Pochettino’s release would mean shelling out a cool $10 million just to activate his clause, according to Fox Sports, citing The Athletic. And that’s not all. The total cost would climb even higher because assistant coaches need to be bought out too. Manchester United might be worth a staggering $7.2 billion, but some fans are asking the real questions. Fox Sports quoted one fan wondering, “Why would he leave the U.S. for something like this? He’s made a lot of money!” Pochettino pulls in about $7 million annually with the USMNT. Sure, Manchester United could offer him a boatload more money, and their brand still holds serious power despite this absolutely brutal start to their season.
The USMNT trains in Georgia until the week wraps up. They’re set to face Haiti in Miami on Friday, with Pochettino holding a pre-match press conference before then. The second leg of these quarterfinals happens next Tuesday in Cincinnati. The stakes are clear: The team *must* beat Haiti to advance in the tournament. All eyes will be on them.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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