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From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterIn a revealing sit-down with FourFourTwo, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino has finally lifted the lid on a legendary encounter with Sir Alex Ferguson, a meeting that has fuelled a decade of what-ifs at Old Trafford.The Argentine, who took the reigns of the US national side on a contract running through the 2026 World Cup, recounted how the most successful manager in British history once sought him out.Through the secretary of the League Managers Association, Sir Alex asked for my phone number so that we could have lunch," Pochettino told FourFourTwo. You may like Mauricio Pochettino exclusive: 'Tottenham feels like home. Of course Id go back if the conditions were right' USMNT youngster with Olympic background vying for World Cup place Manchester United manager contender offers definitive answer on future Mauricio Pochettino wants Premier League return"It was a meeting in London between colleagues, between a genius and an apprentice.The lunch, which took place years ago during Pochettinos high-flying tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, has long been cited as the moment Manchester United first identified him as their long-term successor.Despite those historic links which persisted through his stints at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, the stars never quite aligned for Pochettino to take the hot seat in Manchester.The USMNT boss shared a charming anecdote from the afternoon that proved it's not just his footballing tactics that are up to scratch, it's trivia, too.Get the FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.When we asked for the bill, I wanted to take it, and so did he. We started arguing over whod pay!Get VIP Manchester United tickets HERE with Seat Unique!Manchester United's hospitality offers comfortable, padded seating in the North West Quadrant. The package includes a concourse meal deal (hot food, drink, and snack) and the official matchday programme. Guests also receive a 10 per cent Megastore discount and non-matchday Museum entry, providing a great value, family-friendly match experience for home fans.View Deal"He said, Stop Mauricio, Im going to ask you a question. If you answer correctly, you pay. If not, Ill pay."He said, Name an Argentine player who scored in the 1930 World Cup final. I replied, Stabile. He couldnt believe it. The name came to me out of nowhere! In the end, I paid the bill. What to read next Manchester United needed a manager who understood the clubs culture. David Moyes arrived with a small-club mentality and made poor decisions Nani on why Red Devils struggled after Sir Alex Fergusons retirement I've played under Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho, Didier Deschamps and Louis van Gaal, but my best experience was with Mauricio Pochettino. He changed the way I thought about football: my legs had never felt so strong! Former Prem warhorse praises Poch United States World Cup 2026 squad: Mauricio Pochettino's latest selection ahead of the March international break Despite his current focus on leading the USMNT into their home World Cup, Pochettino admitted an affinity for Tottenham remains a core part of his identity.However, his most striking admission was a clear desire to eventually return to the Premier League, suggesting his work in the UK is far from finished."Right now its about enjoying the World Cup. After that, Ive always said I came so close to winning the Premier League and Champions League, and want to try again. Id like to be part of a project with the ambition of winning both."Pochettinos comments arrive as Manchester United face yet another summer of transition. With the club currently under interim guidance following a turbulent 2025/26 campaign, the identity of the man in the dugout next season remains a mystery.For now, the self-proclaimed 'apprentice' remains on the international stage, but the pull of a Premier League return is unmistakable.Mauricio Pochettino's full interview with FourFourTwo is available in print issue 391 and on sale from Thursday, April 30.TOPICSAlex FergusonSir Alex FergusonMauricio PochettinoManchester UnitedJoe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.With contributions fromDani Gil
