Headline: Mauricio Pochettino Prepares U.S. Team Amid Manchester United Interest
FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — Mauricio Pochettino returned to work with the U.S. men’s national soccer team on Thursday as they gear up for a match against Haiti on Saturday. Meanwhile, following Manchester United’s announcement of Michael Carrick’s dismissal as manager, Pochettino’s time with the Americans may be nearing its end.
Sources informed Yahoo Sports that the U.S. Soccer Federation has engaged with Manchester United regarding the potential release of Pochettino from his current contract, allowing him to assume the managerial role at Old Trafford.
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The U.S. players are mentally preparing for this possibility while continuing their preparations for the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals.
Currently, Pochettino remains focused on leading the U.S. through the second leg on Tuesday in Cincinnati, according to sources.
Mauricio Pochettino could be nearing the end of his USMNT tenure, but the Nations League quarterfinals remain his immediate priority.
(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
In the event of Pochettino’s departure, the U.S. Soccer Federation would need to act quickly. Steve Cherundolo, a potential candidate for the role, is currently managing the under-23 team during a camp in Spain. Simultaneously, U-20 coach Gonzalo Segares is overseeing a training camp at the national training center near Atlanta.
“His leaving or staying has set a solid foundation for this team,” said midfielder Sebastian Berhalter regarding Pochettino. “He has made us proud to be American, even as an Argentinian coach, and that reflects his character as both a person and a coach.”
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Berhalter mentioned that Pochettino has not yet discussed the United situation with the players.
The head coach is not slated to hold a public address until Friday morning, which is a standard practice before a match. The U.S. Soccer Federation has not provided any comments on the matter.
“If I had a vote, I’d prefer things to stay as they are,” striker Folarin Balogun commented. “Everything is working smoothly. Our identity and playing style are clear, and when you have a top coach, you’d want them to remain.”
Pochettino joined the U.S. team in the fall of 2024 after the dismissal of Gregg Berhalter, successfully steering the squad to the World Cup’s Round of 16 this past summer. He subsequently re-signed with the U.S. Soccer Federation through the 2030 tournament, which included an exit clause reportedly valued at $10 million, a sum that Manchester United would be required to pay.
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Berhalter acknowledged Pochettino’s influence on his own career, having invited him to join the national team camp in the summer of 2025.
“From the very beginning, he has had faith in me,” the 25-year-old midfielder noted. “I can’t express how grateful I am to him, whether he remains the coach or not. He has greatly impacted my development as both a player and a person.”
With Pochettino likely on the verge of departure, Balogun shared his thoughts on the program’s current state.
“Having a great coach sets a high standard. Coach has certainly elevated our expectations during his tenure. The intensity of our training and our approach to games have shifted significantly. He’s transformed our mindset as players,” Balogun remarked.
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The U.S. players are accustomed to focusing on their performance despite ongoing speculation surrounding Pochettino, whose previous experience with clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea has made him a sought-after candidate for coaching positions internationally.
As they prepare for the next match, Berhalter noted, “We deal with plenty of distractions, but that won’t affect our performance on the field. We understand our responsibilities, and our work ethic and determination will remain unchanged.”
The U.S. team will conduct another practice on Friday at the national training center before traveling to Miami.
