Mauricio Pochettino Parts Ways With USMNT to Take Over a Struggling Manchester United

It is official: Mauricio Pochettino is stepping down as head coach of the U.S. men’s national team.

On Friday, one day after Manchester United dismissed Michael Carrick, the 20-time English champions confirmed Pochettino as his successor. United currently sit in the Premier League relegation zone after winning just one of their opening 10 matches this season.

The 54-year-old Argentine will oversee the American squad for two final fixtures, on Saturday and Tuesday against Haiti in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals, before assuming control at Old Trafford in time for Sunday’s trip to rivals Liverpool.

In August, Pochettino signed a contract extension with U.S. Soccer that runs through the 2030 World Cup, following the USA’s run to the round of 16 at the 2026 tournament. To release him from that agreement, United reportedly triggered a buyout clause worth nearly $10 million.

Pochettino’s coaching staff, including longtime top assistant Jesús Pérez, will move with him to Old Trafford.

“The club has reached an agreement with the U.S. Soccer Federation for Mauricio and his staff to be released after the conclusion of their responsibilities with the U.S. Men’s National Team,” Manchester United said in its announcement, adding that he will officially take over on Nov. 18.

In 35 matches leading the American side, the former Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton manager compiled a 21-11-2 record. Three of those wins came at the 2026 World Cup, making him the winningest USA men’s coach in the tournament’s history. U.S. Soccer now must find a new coach for the 2030 cycle.

“Mauricio has left a lasting mark on U.S. Soccer through his leadership, professionalism and commitment to our players and culture,” U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson said in a press release. “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 inherits a club in crisis. United languish in the Premier League’s relegation zone after a dismal start under Carrick. The club has not been relegated since the 1973-74 season.

Carrick, a former United midfielder, was appointed permanent manager this past offseason after impressing as interim boss following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal in January. His permanent tenure lasted less than six months.

Pochettino’s first match in charge could rank among the toughest on the calendar, as United return from the international break against Liverpool on Nov. 22.

The 54-year-old Argentine is well acquainted with the Premier League. He guided Tottenham Hotspur to the 2019 Champions League final and later managed Chelsea during the 2023-24 season, and he also captured a Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain.

Pochettino took charge of the national team in September 2024. His exit leaves U.S. Soccer searching for a new coach ahead of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals, with matches against Haiti set for Nov. 14 and 17 in the United States.

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