Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterIn a revealing sit-down with FourFourTwo last year, 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 until 2030, 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.Pochettino: 'I met with genius Sir Alex'"It was a meeting in London between colleagues, between a genius and an apprentice.The lunch, which took place some years ago during Pochettinos tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, has long been cited as the moment Manchester United first identified him as their long-term successor. You may like Sir Alex Ferguson opens up on his emotional final days at Manchester United Manchester United are missing perfect new manager opportunity to avoid �30m bill Kevin Keegan on the Love it interview and relationship with Alex Ferguson 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 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!"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 "I dont know why the Manchester United move didn't happen. Benfica seemed like the best jump for me at the time: it didnt turn out to be that way" Freddy Adu on his failed Red Devils transfer How Marcelo Bielsa 'reignited that pure love the game' for Javier Zanetti Sergio Aguero on his fondness for Manchester derby success Despite his current focus, having led the USMNT at their home World Cup earlier this year, Pochettino has freely admitted he would like a return to the Premier League some day."Right now its about enjoying the World Cup," he said. "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 are especially relevant as Man United face what looks to be another period of transition.Michael Carrick is expected to be relieved of his duties at Old Trafford during November's international break. For now, the self-proclaimed 'apprentice' remains on the international stage, but the pull of a Premier League return is unmistakable.Pochettino's USMNT take on Haiti in a Concacaf Nations League double header this month.Mauricio Pochettino's full interview with FourFourTwo is available in print issue 391.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
