Mauricio Pochettino Leaves USMNT to Take Over Manchester United

Mauricio Pochettino fought back tears on Friday as he officially said goodbye to the U.S. Soccer Federation, just hours after Manchester United confirmed him as their new manager. Speaking at a training facility outside Atlanta, the 54-year-old Argentine described the choice to leave his post—which was originally slated to run through the 2030 World Cup—as one of the hardest of his 17-year coaching career.

United initiated contact with Pochettino last Sunday following a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa that left the Premier League giants sitting 18th in the standings. By Wednesday, the English club informed the USSF that it would trigger a $10 million release clause. Michael Carrick was dismissed on Thursday, clearing the path for Pochettino to agree to a reported 2 1/2 year contract at Old Trafford. U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson noted that the substantial buyout funds will be reinvested into securing a world-class successor.

Despite his impending departure, Pochettino will remain on the touchline for two final fixtures before starting in Manchester on November 18. The Stars and Stripes face Haiti on Saturday in Miami for the first leg of their Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal, followed by the return match in Cincinnati on Tuesday. U-23 coach Steve Cherundolo will subsequently take charge of the December training camp and a year-end friendly against Jamaica.