Patrick Vieira linked with return to management days after Crystal Palace sacking

Patrick Vieira could make a swift return to management just days after being sacked by Crystal Palace.

The Arsenal legend was relieved of his managerial duties at Selhurst Park last Friday after a 12-match winless run.

He left the club in 12th place in the Premier League table, having taken over in July 2021.

But he could return to the dugout sooner rather than later as he's being linked with a managerial gig on the international scene.

According to reports via Goal, Vieira is in the frame to take over as the manager of the USA national team.

They are currently without a permanent coach following Gregg Berhalter's departure, with the 46-year-old thought to be one of the candidates to succeed him.

Patrick Vieira on the touchline during his Crystal Palace spell. Image: Alamy

Vieira's old teammate Thierry Henry is also in the running. The 45-year-old has been out of work since leaving his role as No.2 at Belgium.

USA legend Alexi Lalas has backed Vieira to get the job. On Twitter, he wrote: "I think Patrick Vieira is worth a chat.

"But I think it's useless to talk about potential #USMNT coaching candidates until a men's GM (who will pick the next coach) is hired."

The former Gunners captain has had three managerial jobs since calling time on his legendary playing career. He's been in charge of New York City FC, Nice and, of course, Palace.

Without Vieira at the helm, Palace continued their miserable run of form as they suffered a 4-1 defeat at Arsenal.

Paddy McCarthy took charge of the team and believes positives can be taken away from their loss at the Emirates.

"Given the circumstances over the last couple of days, in retrospect, there were positives to take," he said.

"They [Arsenal] are at the top of the league for a reason. They’re well-organised. They’ve got bundles of athleticism, good attacking quality all over the park, and seem to come up with solutions whichever way you try to stop them."