Pochettino details Manchester United move but will finish US camp

Mauricio Pochettino said Manchester United's approach developed within days as he explained his decision to leave the United States men's national team. Speaking at US Soccer's national training centre on Friday, the coach confirmed he would remain in charge for two Concacaf Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti before departing, according to the Guardian.

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Pochettino said initial contact over the United job came on Sunday afternoon, after he had arrived for the international camp the previous Friday. He described discussions with US Soccer chief executive JT Batson and the federation as transparent. Once an agreement was taking shape on Thursday, he informed the players and staff, who he said had been supportive.

The club and federation agreed that Pochettino should complete the current camp, leaving him responsible for the Haiti fixtures on Saturday and Tuesday. He stressed that the move would not alter his commitment to those matches. His departure had been announced only hours before the news conference, where he became emotional while thanking US Soccer officials for the opportunity to lead the team.

The switch follows a contract renewal announced in August that was intended to keep Pochettino with the United States through 2030 and expand his influence over the men's programme at different levels. He said the commitment made at that time had been genuine and that he had not expected circumstances to change so quickly, while describing the United opportunity as unusually difficult to refuse.

Batson, who appeared alongside federation president Cindy Parlow Cone, also addressed the financial agreement. The Guardian reported that United paid approximately $10 million for Pochettino's services. Batson said the funds would be available to support US Soccer's objectives, including hiring coaches, youth national-team programmes and coaching education, without presenting the payment as reserved solely for the next head coach.

The report said donor Ken Griffin had subsidised a significant share of Pochettino's $6 million salary, but whether that support would continue for his successor remained unclear. Pochettino led the United States to the last 16 at this summer's World Cup. Reflecting on his tenure, he emphasised his relationships within the federation and the contribution he hoped to make at United.