Mauricio Pochettino Emotional USMNT Farewell

Mauricio Pochettino has officially been confirmed as Manchester United’s new head coach, ending his tenure with the United States men’s national team to take over at Old Trafford on a 2½-year contract. The 54-year-old Argentine finalized an agreement with Manchester United on Thursday after the club agreed to trigger a $10 million release clause in his contract with U.S. Soccer.

Pochettino is expected to take charge of United for the first time when the club travels to Anfield to face Liverpool in a Premier League showdown on November 22. Pochettino became emotional during Friday’s USMNT news conference, breaking down in tears as he confirmed his departure and reflected on his time leading the American national team. He will remain with the United States through its two international matches against Haiti on Saturday and Tuesday before traveling to England. Steve Cherundolo will take over as head coach for the USMNT’s December camp, U.S. Soccer confirmed Friday.

Pochettino Takes Over Manchester United After Michael Carrick’s Departure

Pochettino replaces Michael Carrick, who was dismissed Thursday just 15 games into the two-year contract he signed in May. Manchester United’s leadership identified Pochettino as its preferred candidate, with the Argentine reportedly the unanimous choice of the club’s leadership team. United CEO Omar Berrada informed U.S. Soccer on Wednesday that the club was prepared to activate the release clause in Pochettino’s contract.

The appointment was subsequently approved by minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s majority owners, the Glazer family. Pochettino emerged as the leading candidate because of his extensive Premier League experience and history of managing major European clubs. His previous English assignments include Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea, while he also managed Paris Saint-Germain, overseeing a star-studded dressing room that included Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar.

The appointment also represents a second opportunity for Pochettino to take charge at Old Trafford. He was interviewed by Berrada and United director of football Jason Wilcox in May 2024, shortly after leaving Chelsea. United ultimately decided to retain Erik ten Hag, and Pochettino accepted the United States national team position in September 2024. Now, with United struggling near the bottom of the Premier League standings, the club has turned to Pochettino to lead its rebuilding effort.

Manchester United Facing Major Challenge Under New Manager

Pochettino inherits a difficult situation at Old Trafford. Manchester United currently sit 18th in the Premier League table and have managed just one league victory all season. His immediate priority will be to stabilize the team and begin improving its results as the club looks to climb away from the relegation zone.

Pochettino will officially begin working at United’s Carrington training facility on Wednesday, November 18, ahead of the trip to Liverpool four days later. Most of Manchester United’s international players are also expected to return to training that day. The November 22 matchup against Liverpool at Anfield will provide Pochettino with an immediate test against one of United’s biggest rivals.

Steve Cherundolo to Lead USMNT December Camp

While Pochettino prepares for his new challenge in England, U.S. Soccer has confirmed that former United States international Steve Cherundolo will oversee the national team’s December camp. The federation has not yet announced a permanent replacement for Pochettino.

U.S. Soccer said its search will involve several members of its leadership group, including U.S. women’s national team coach Emma Hayes, CEO and secretary-general JT Batson, chief operating officer Dan Helfrich and vice president for sporting Oguchi Onyewu. Pochettino’s departure comes as the United States continues preparations for its upcoming international commitments.

He will complete his responsibilities with the national team by coaching both matches against Haiti before officially making the move to Manchester. His emotional farewell on Friday marked the end of his time with the USMNT and the beginning of a new chapter in his managerial career. For Manchester United, the appointment brings an experienced Premier League manager to a club searching for stability, improved performances and a way back up the league table. Pochettino’s first major assignment will come quickly, with a trip to Anfield awaiting him in his first match in charge.