Mauricio Pochettino Leaves USMNT to Take Manchester United Manager Job
Mauricio Pochettino is stepping down as head coach of the U.S. men's national team to take charge at Manchester United, calling the sudden departure one of the most difficult decisions of his career.
🏈NFLPhoto: The Athletic
Key points
- Mauricio Pochettino leaves the USMNT after three months into a new four-year deal.
- The manager will take charge of Manchester United following the Concacaf Nations League games against Haiti.
- Pochettino cited the rarity of the Manchester United job as the primary reason for his difficult decision.
Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Friday that he is leaving his position as head coach of the U.S. men's national team to accept the managerial role at Premier League club Manchester United. Speaking at an emotional news conference in Fayetteville, Georgia, alongside U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson and president Cindy Parlow Cone, Pochettino wiped away tears and stated that the choice was among the toughest he has ever faced.
The departure comes just three months after Pochettino signed a four-year contract extension meant to keep him through the 2030 World Cup. He revealed that he first learned of the interest from Manchester United on Sunday, leading to a whirlwind week of negotiations before finalizing the agreement on Thursday. Pochettino will officially take over the English club following his final two matches with the USMNT, which are the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal legs against Haiti on Saturday and Tuesday.
During his brief stint leading the senior squad this fall, Pochettino secured four friendly victories and introduced 13 new players, including eight teenagers, signaling the beginning of a fresh cycle for the program. Both federation leadership and the manager emphasized that communication remained transparent throughout the quick exit, with players and staff offering support despite the abrupt change in leadership ahead of the international matches.
Source The Athletic — nytimes.com/athletic/7779028/2026/11/13/mauricio-pochettino-press-c… ↗
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