Balogun calls Pochettino departure a 'no-brainer' loss as United move edges closer

Folarin Balogun has admitted the United States squad would unanimously vote to keep Mauricio Pochettino, describing his impending departure to Manchester United as a “no-brainer” loss for the national team. The striker spoke ahead of the USA’s game against Haiti, by which point United had already agreed personal terms with Pochettino and reached a framework agreement with US Soccer.

Manchester United sacked Michael Carrick on Thursday after a run of 10 games without a win across all competitions. Pochettino, who has been in charge of the USA national side, will fulfil two remaining fixtures against Haiti before taking over at Old Trafford.

“If I had a vote, I would like to keep things the way they are,” Balogun said at Thursday’s post-match press conference. “I think things have been working well. We have a clear sense of identity. We have a clear playing style. And I think whenever you have a top coach, you’d want him to stay. It’s a no-brainer. So I think for us it’s no different.”

Balogun’s teammate Sebastian Berhalter was equally candid about the impact Pochettino has had on him personally, crediting the Argentine with helping him grow both on and off the pitch.

“He’s meant so much to me and he’s helped me develop as a player and as a person,” Berhalter said. “And as a player, that’s all you can ask for, to have that trust and have that belief in you. And for me, it’s easy to go out there and just do my job. So yeah, he’s meant a big deal to me for sure.”

The tributes from within the USA camp underline the goodwill Pochettino has built during his tenure, even as his attention turns to the challenge of reviving a Manchester United side that has endured a damaging run of form under Carrick.