Headline: Mauricio Pochettino Set to Leave U.S. Coaching Role for Manchester United
FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — Just over 100 days into his second term as the head coach of the U.S. men’s national soccer team, Mauricio Pochettino is preparing to depart for Manchester United, according to Yahoo Sports.
An official announcement is set to be made Friday afternoon in England, and early morning in the U.S., concluding a tumultuous week filled with speculation and discussions while Pochettino continued to manage U.S. training sessions at a national training facility near Atlanta.
Sources confirm that Pochettino, 54, will complete his tenure with the U.S. team in the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal matches against Haiti, taking place Saturday in Miami and Tuesday in Cincinnati. He will then assume leadership of Manchester United, a club currently facing its worst start in 40 years.
Throughout this week, officials from U.S. Soccer have remained silent regarding Pochettino’s future. He is expected to hold a media session early Friday, which is customary the day before a game.
After a career that includes stints at notable European clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, Pochettino steps back onto the European stage after his first international assignment with the U.S. He previously had discussions with Manchester United on three occasions but never secured the position until now. His debut with United is anticipated for November 22 against Liverpool.
Pochettino’s time with the U.S. saw him oversee 37 matches, including a World Cup campaign that captured national attention but ultimately ended with a disappointing Round-of-16 defeat to Belgium.
The timing of his departure follows just three months after Pochettino and the U.S. Soccer Federation agreed to a partnership meant to span four years, with aspirations of achieving new milestones by the 2030 World Cup.
Bringing in a coach with strong connections to European soccer, while ambitious, carried the risk of an early exit. Reports indicated that even during preparations for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, Pochettino was considered a potential candidate for managerial roles at clubs like Tottenham and AC Milan.
With Pochettino’s exit, the U.S. Soccer Federation is expected to begin searching for a replacement immediately. Among the potential candidates are B.J. Callaghan, Nashville SC’s assistant who took the helm of the national team temporarily; Roberto Martinez, former coach of Belgium and Portugal; Steve Cherundolo, U.S. under-23 coach focused on the 2028 Olympic team; and Pelegrino Matarazzo of Real Sociedad, known for his European experience.
While Pep Guardiola, the acclaimed former coach of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, could be a consideration, his likely preference for a European position and higher salary demands pose a considerable barrier.
The U.S. Soccer Federation is not rushing this process. Despite having an opening just months into a World Cup cycle, the national team will not be in action again until late March, with the next major tournament being the CONCACAF Gold Cup taking place the following summer. Qualification for the World Cup will not begin until at least next fall.
Pochettino’s move was set in motion after reports emerged earlier this week that he had become Manchester United’s leading choice to replace Michael Carrick, who was dismissed after just 10 months in charge.
Negotiations involving Pochettino’s representatives and the U.S. Soccer Federation included a $10 million release clause as part of the contract signed following the World Cup.
Pochettino had expressed intent to shape the U.S. team for the future after signing his new deal in August. He had introduced several promising young players during a series of home friendlies in the fall, indicating his commitment to a long-term vision. However, just hours after starting preparations for the Nations League, he swiftly pivoted to finalize his transition to Manchester United.
