Pochettino to leave USMNT after Haiti matches for Manchester United

Mauricio Pochettino will leave the United States men's national team for Manchester United after completing this month's international camp, U.S. Soccer announced on Friday. His departure follows a contract extension agreed only three months ago. LBC reported that United have appointed the Argentine with an official start date of November 18, replacing Michael Carrick.

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The change will not take effect before the Americans finish their current fixtures. Pochettino and his coaching staff will remain responsible for the national team through matches against Haiti on November 14 and 17, according to the federation. Those games will therefore be his final assignments before he returns to club management in England.

Pochettino became emotional at Friday's news conference as he thanked federation officials and reflected on the decision, LBC reported. He described the separation as deeply difficult and credited his time with the American team with restoring his enthusiasm for coaching. U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone and chief executive JT Batson sat alongside him as he addressed his departure.

United's appointment follows Carrick's dismissal on Thursday. According to LBC, the club entered the November international break in 18th place after its poorest start to a season since 1986. Pochettino brings previous Premier League experience from Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea. His return comes shortly after he had committed to remain with the United States through 2030, making this a rapid reversal of his longer-term plans.

U.S. Soccer credited Pochettino with 21 wins, 12 defeats and two draws in 35 matches since his appointment in September 2024. His tenure included a place in the 2025 Gold Cup final. The federation also highlighted changes to player development: 75 players appeared for the senior side under him, while 11 players younger than 21 made their debuts in the most recent international window.

Steve Cherundolo will oversee the previously arranged December camp, using a squad drawn primarily from Major League Soccer, the federation said. Batson and chief operating officer Dan Helfrich will lead the search for a permanent successor with input from a soccer leadership group that includes Emma Hayes and Oguchi Onyewu. U.S. Soccer said it would assess candidates with varied backgrounds.