Pochettino signs off in style as USA thrash Haiti 6-0 in Nations League first leg

Mauricio Pochettino moved one step closer to his Manchester United tenure on Saturday as the United States demolished Haiti 6-0 in the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final first leg in Miami, all but securing a place in the semi-finals.

Austin Trusty opened the scoring in the 10th minute, finishing smartly from Sebastian Berhalter’s free-kick to give USA a half-time lead. The floodgates opened after the break, with Julian Hall doubling the advantage on 51 minutes after Antonee Robinson’s incisive run and cross from the left.

Christian Pulisic then took centre stage, converting a penalty in the 62nd minute before adding a second just 60 seconds later with a low, precise effort from outside the area. Weston McKennie headed home from Malik Tillman’s corner to make it 5-0 in the 69th minute, and substitute Folarin Balogun — who had an earlier goal disallowed — capped the rout with eight minutes remaining, rifling home after an excellent through ball from Tillman.

The result comes days after Pochettino delivered an emotional farewell press conference, paying tribute to his staff and players ahead of his final two matches in charge of the national side. The second leg against Haiti is scheduled for Tuesday before the Argentine officially begins his Manchester United role on Wednesday.

Pochettino’s USA side were dominant from the first whistle, with the scoreline reflecting a performance that will offer encouragement to United supporters watching from afar. The former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain manager inherits a club in transition, and the clinical, high-tempo display in Miami provided at least a glimpse of the attacking intent he intends to bring to Old Trafford.