Pochettino to leave USMNT for Manchester United after Haiti matches

Key points

• Pochettino will coach the USMNT in two matches against Haiti, with the first game scheduled for Saturday in Miami.
• His departure is triggered by a $10 million release clause in his four-year contract with US Soccer, which was signed in August 2024.
• Manchester United has officially dismissed Michael Carrick and is finalizing a 2.5-year deal with Pochettino, with an announcement expected Friday.
• The US Soccer Federation has not commented, leaving players to address questions about the move at a training base in Fayetteville, Georgia.
• The federation must now begin a third coaching search since 2023, with four months until the next senior camp in March.

Background

Pochettino's tenure with the USMNT has been viewed as a missed opportunity, as he failed to win a trophy, finishing fourth in the 2025 Concacaf Nations League and second in the Gold Cup. The US team also suffered a 4-1 Round of 16 defeat to Belgium at the 2026 World Cup, amid controversy over Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension. Pochettino had previously been linked to the Manchester United job in 2014, 2016, and 2022, and had a well-publicized meal with Sir Alex Ferguson in 2016. The US Soccer Federation had previously hired Steve Cherundolo to coach the US Olympic team, and he is considered a candidate for the permanent job.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Post emphasizes the abruptness of Pochettino's departure, noting that it was 'not all that stunning' given his long-standing desire to return to the Premier League and his previous interviews for the Manchester United job. The Post also highlights the US Soccer Federation's lack of comment, which left players in an awkward position. The Omaha World Herald, while not providing specific details on the Pochettino move, focuses on the broader context of the US Soccer Federation's coaching searches and the potential impact on the team's future. The Post also notes that Pochettino's tenure ranks as a 'disappointment' or 'missed opportunity' due to his lack of trophy wins, while the Omaha World Herald does not provide a specific perspective on this issue.

Why it matters

Pochettino's departure marks a significant shift in US soccer, as the federation must now find a new head coach for the third time since 2023. The move also raises questions about the US Soccer Federation's ability to attract and retain top European managers, and the potential impact on the team's future. The decision to hire Pochettino, despite his short tenure, suggests that the US Soccer Federation is willing to take risks to secure high-profile managers, but it also highlights the challenges of finding a long-term solution for the team's coaching needs.

What to watch

The US Soccer Federation will need to begin a new coaching search, with four months until the next senior camp in March. The federation may consider candidates such as Steve Cherundolo, B.J. Callaghan, Mikey Varas, or Pellegrino Matarazzo. The US team will also play a mid-December friendly against Jamaica, which is expected to feature an MLS-only squad. The federation will also need to address the question of whether there is donor support for another big European name, given that billionaire Ken Griffin financed Pochettino's contract.