Manchester United appear to have been handed a major boost to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as head coach, with US Soccer identifying a potential replacement.

The former Chelsea and Tottenham boss widely expected to become the next Man United manager, amid reports that talks have already taken place and personal terms close to being finalised.

If appointed, Pochettino would replace Michael Carrick, who remains in post but is expected to be relieved of his duties following a meeting of the United hierarchy that was due to take place in Monaco on Wednesday.

While the Argentine has emerged as United’s No1 option to succeed Carrick, should he make a surprise return to the Premier League, it would leave the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) without a manager.

However, the Athletic have reported that plans are in place to deal with a potential departure as U.S. Soccer is expected to make Pep Guardiola their top target to replace Pochettino.

Guardiola has largely kept a low profile since leaving Manchester City at the end of last season. He was heavily linked with an immediate return to the dugout, but turned down the chance to coach the Italian national side.

The report adds that the Spaniard has been discussed internally as a candidate across multiple levels of the federation’s hiring process. However, Guardiola has shown little recent interest in an imminent return to management.

With US Soccer discussing candidates to replace Pochettino, it would appear they are resigned to the fact that the 54-year-old is Old Trafford-bound.

That said, the Athletic have also revealed that Pochettino is still expected to take charge of the USA's upcoming games against Haiti in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League.

Man United are understood to be willing to pay the $10million (£7.5m) release clause in Pochettino’s contract with the USMNT, which was only extended until 2030 after this summer’s World Cup on home soil.