The quest to find Gregg Berhalter‘s replacement continues in the USMNT camp. After US Soccer’s attempts to poach Jurgen Klopp went south, they got a new manager to pursue, following Gareth Southgate’s resignation from the English camp. Southgate, notably, called his eight-year stint with the England NT after losing in the UEFA Euro final against Spain. US legend Alexi Lalas has even insisted Southgate should take the men’s team’s reins. Meanwhile, a few other ex-USMNT stars believe Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira would do a better job than Southgate.

Former USMNT and New England Revolution star Taylor Twellman has now stated that Patrick Vieira is one manager who is truly interested in coaching the US team. “There’s one name that I’ve said from the beginning that has a real interest in this, and that’s Patrick Vieira. He won a World Cup as a player,” said Twellman, via USMNT Only. Twellman then gave flowers to Vieira’s leadership acumen as a coach. “But he also walks into that room and every single player’s tail is going to be between their legs because he doesn’t hold back on anyone,” Twellman added.

Patrick Vieira is quite fit for the US coaching job, considering the impressive resume he boasts. A 1998 world champion with France, Vieira started his coaching journey with Manchester City’s reserve team. He went pro with the MLS’s New York City. Having coached Ligue 1’s Nice and Premier League’s Crystal Palace, Vieira is currently serving as Strasbourg’s boss. Besides, as pointed out by Twellman, the Arsenal legend has a genuine interest in leading the USMNT, which he laid bare when the US Soccer Federation approached him last year.

Patrick Vieira had a vision to lead the USMNT to the 2026 World Cup

Last year, the USSF sacked Gregg Berhalter over a domestic abuse allegation and launched a subsequent investigation. Before rehiring him, the USSF had contacted Patrick Vieira, who was a free agent at that time. Vieira reportedly said he is happy to take the US team’s reins. Per reports, he had thoroughly studied the US players and saw immense potential in the squad. Moreover, the France icon also had plans to lead the USMNT into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which again is a prestigious event co-hosted by the US.

Anyhow, Vieira is contractually tied to Strasbourg till 2026. But it won’t be beyond him and the club to walk away if Strasbourg continues to struggle in the Ligue 1. Meanwhile, we cannot overlook the possibility of Southgate taking the vacant USMNT role. Additionally, rumors also have it that Spain’s Euro-winning boss Luis de la Fuente is interested in coaching the American side. Until someone makes it to the coach’s chair, these rumors will go on like wildfire. Do you think Vieira is the best replacement for Berhalter? Tell us in the comments.