Mauricio Pochettino will leave his role as US men's national team coach to become Manchester United's head coach, the clubs confirmed on November 13. The Argentine will take charge at Old Trafford on November 18, following the conclusion of his duties with the US Soccer Federation.
Pochettino will lead the United States in their CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals against Haiti on November 16 and 20 before departing for England. His first match in charge of Manchester United will be a Premier League away fixture against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
Immediate reaction and financial implications
Manchester United dismissed Michael Carrick as head coach on November 12, less than six months into his tenure. The club confirmed an agreement with US Soccer to release Pochettino and his staff from their contracts, with reports estimating the compensation package at over £10 million. British media calculations suggest United's total spending on managerial changes since Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013 now exceeds £100 million, including payments to former coaches such as Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal, and Erik ten Hag.
Pochettino's USMNT legacy
Pochettino, 54, took charge of the US men's national team in September 2024 and compiled a record of 21 wins, 12 losses, and two draws across 35 matches. Under his leadership, the USA reached the 2025 Gold Cup final, losing to Mexico, and advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, marking their first knockout-stage victory since 2002. US Soccer CEO JT Batson stated that Pochettino "raised the standard" within the federation, fostering clearer connections between youth and senior national teams and establishing a lasting cultural impact.
United's immediate challenges
Manchester United currently sit in 18th place in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone, with just one win and eight points from 10 matches. The club has won only three of 15 matches across all competitions this season, their worst start to a league campaign in four decades. Carrick's dismissal followed a 4-4 home draw with Aston Villa and a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, which intensified scrutiny of the club's direction.
United described Pochettino in a statement as "renowned for his high-intensity, attacking style of football, his dedication to building strong, cohesive teams, and his outstanding record of developing individual players." The club emphasized his experience across multiple leagues, including spells at Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Pochettino's emotional departure
Pochettino expressed mixed emotions during a news conference in Fayetteville, Georgia, calling the decision "one of the most difficult" in his career. "A decision that in some parts is a very sad decision, in other parts, we are professional and we need also to try to find the next step, to try and make your dreams come true," he said. He choked back tears while seated between USSF president Cindy Parlow Cone and CEO JT Batson, who offered support.
In a statement, Pochettino reflected on his time with the USMNT: "The opportunity to represent the USA crest was one of the greatest honors 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."
Search for a successor begins
US Soccer confirmed it will conduct a search for Pochettino's replacement, aiming to identify a candidate capable of continuing the progress made during his tenure. The federation has emphasized the importance of maintaining the cultural and structural improvements implemented under Pochettino's leadership.
Manchester United's statement concluded: "Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the Manchester United men’s head coach from 18 November. The club has reached an agreement with the US Soccer Federation for Mauricio and his staff to be released after the conclusion of their responsibilities with the US Men’s National Team."