Pochettino expected to lead USA through Haiti Nations League tie

Mauricio Pochettino is expected to remain in charge of the United States men's national team for the rest of the current international window, according to the Guardian. The newspaper reported on November 12 that a source with direct knowledge of US Soccer's plans said he would lead the team through its upcoming matches, despite Manchester United's approach.

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The United States face Haiti in a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final, with Saturday's match in Miami followed by Tuesday's return in Cincinnati. Pochettino has continued to oversee training this week at the federation's headquarters outside Atlanta. The Guardian credited the Athletic with first reporting that he planned to take charge of the forthcoming US fixtures.

The report separates his immediate national-team duties from negotiations over a possible club appointment. United dismissed Michael Carrick on Thursday, and the Guardian said multiple sources familiar with the discussions confirmed the club had formally contacted US Soccer about Pochettino. It also reported that the coach and his representatives had worked on a proposed agreement while keeping the federation informed.

The Guardian had previously reported agreement on a framework for a deal between Pochettino and United. That does not amount to a completed appointment. At the time of its latest report, Pochettino had not publicly discussed the United link and was scheduled to address reporters on Friday morning. His expected involvement against Haiti was reported through a source rather than a public announcement from the coach.

Players have spoken about the situation while continuing preparations. Striker Folarin Balogun told reporters on Thursday that he would prefer the current arrangement to remain in place. His comments expressed support for keeping Pochettino, without settling the question of whether the coach would ultimately leave for Manchester United.

Defender Antonee Robinson had addressed the uncertainty on Tuesday, emphasising his focus on training and the next match. According to the Guardian, Robinson said he was concentrating on being ready to play for Pochettino and on carrying out the coach's instructions. For the upcoming quarter-final, the reported plan is continuity on the touchline while the separate discussions over Pochettino's future continue.