Pochettino leaves USMNT to become new head coach of Manchester United

It was an open secret. Mauricio Pochettino became the new manager of Manchester United, replacing Michael Carrick, with the goal of leading one of the most popular and successful teams in soccer history out of the serious crisis it is currently facing.

"Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the Manchester United men’s head coach from 18 November," the English club announced in a statement.

End of his tenure with the USMNT

In order for Pochettino to begin this new chapter, Manchester United had to reach an agreement with the U.S. men's national team (USMNT), which the Argentine coach had been leading until now.

"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 added. "He led the U.S. Men’s National Team to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup."

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Pochettino wanted to thank the United States Soccer Federation for the opportunity it gave him a little over two years ago and to the fans for the support they gave him during this time.

"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," Pochettino wrote in a statement. "You will always have a special place in our hearts, and we will be supporting the teams whenever they step on the field."

The Argentine coach has been at the helm of the USMNT since Sept. 11, 2024. Under his leadership, the U.S. national team won 21 of 35 matches played, with two draws and 12 losses. He was at the helm for the 2026 World Cup, a tournament in which the United States served as host and the team reached the round of 16. He renewed his contract at the end of that tournament.