Pochettino Leads USMNT in Farewell Matches Before Manchester United Move

Mauricio Pochettino will manage the U.S. Men's National Team in two upcoming matches against Haiti, marking his unconventional farewell tour before officially taking the helm at Manchester United. The decision to leave the USMNT, a role he described as one of the most difficult of his career, comes after he signed a new four-year contract in August, following the team's World Cup round of 16 exit.

Pochettino's tenure with the USMNT, which began in September 2024, saw him lead the team to their fourth consecutive round of 16 appearance in the World Cup. Despite this success and efforts to raise daily standards and develop young talent, his departure leaves a significant coaching vacancy for U.S. Soccer, with no clear successor identified. The move to Manchester United, a club facing challenges in the Premier League relegation zone, signals a new chapter for the Argentine coach, who is known for his fitness obsession and 'control freak' management style, according to former player Toby Alderweireld.