Pochettino Thanks US Soccer as He Transitions to Manchester United
Mauricio Pochettino has expressed his gratitude to US Soccer for the chance to lead the national team ahead of his appointment as the new head coach of Manchester United.
Pochettino was named as the new head coach at Old Trafford on Friday afternoon after Michael Carrick was dismissed the previous day.
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US Soccer also confirmed Pochettino’s exit from his role as head coach of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), stating that his last matches in charge will be the back-to-back games against Haiti on November 14 and 18.
Pochettino conveyed his appreciation for US Soccer, stating that the team will “always have a special place” in his heart. “The opportunity to represent the USA crest was one of the greatest honours of my career. We are so grateful to the players for their commitment, to the fans for their belief, and to the Federation for always supporting our staff and creating the opportunities to impact the culture of soccer in this great country,” he shared in a statement regarding his departure.
“We want to thank Cindy Parlow Cone, JT Batson and Dan Helfrich for their partnership and incredible working relationships throughout our time here.”
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“There is tremendous talent in the US player pool from the youth teams through to the senior team, and it’s one of the reasons we have so much belief for the future of US Soccer. You will always have a special place in our hearts, and we will be supporting the teams whenever they step on the field.”
US Soccer’s CEO and Secretary General JT Batson also commended Pochettino’s contributions, stating he has made a “lasting mark” on the team. “Mauricio has left a lasting mark on US Soccer through his leadership, professionalism and commitment to our players and culture,” Batson said. “What we are most proud of goes beyond the wins.”
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“He and his staff raised standards, strengthened our culture and created clearer connections from the Youth National Teams to the senior team. Those changes are now embedded in how we operate, and we will keep building on them as we pursue sustained success on the world stage.”
Pochettino assumed his role at the USMNT in September 2024, concluding his tenure with a record of 21 victories, 12 defeats, and two draws across 35 matches. During his leadership, the United States reached the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Final and made it to the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup last summer, where Pochettino achieved the most World Cup wins of any head coach in USMNT history with three victories.
He plans to travel to Manchester next week to begin his responsibilities as head coach of Manchester United ahead of the Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
