Tearful Pochettino bids farewell to USMNT after Manchester United confirm £10m move

Mauricio Pochettino fought back tears at U.S. Soccer’s training facility outside Atlanta on Friday, formally saying goodbye to the United States men’s national team hours after Manchester United confirmed his appointment as their new manager.

The 54-year-old Argentine had been in Georgia’s capital for less than a week preparing for upcoming Concacaf Nations League fixtures when United moved decisively, triggering a reported $10 million release clause in his USSF contract. Michael Carrick, whom Pochettino will succeed at Old Trafford, was fired on Thursday after a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa left United 18th in the Premier League.

“It’s difficult now to talk,” Pochettino said, visibly struggling to compose himself while flanked by U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson and president Cindy Parlow Cone. “I am a very emotional guy.”

Pochettino described the decision to leave as “one of the most difficult” of his 17-year coaching career, noting that his contract with the USSF had been intended to run through the 2030 World Cup. He had been in the role for just three months.

The speed of the departure clearly weighed on him. United first made contact on Sunday afternoon following the Villa draw, word of their interest leaked on Monday, and by Wednesday the club had formally notified the USSF of its intention to buy him out. Pochettino told his players and support staff he was leaving on Thursday evening.

“It all was so quick,” he said.

Cone paid tribute to the work Pochettino had done during what she described as 50 months in charge — a figure that includes his broader involvement with the federation’s player development programmes. “What you’ve done with the men’s and the boys’ program in two years has been unbelievable,” she said. “You have been such a great partner to all of us. We’re gonna miss you.”

Despite the abrupt exit, Pochettino will remain in charge of the USMNT for two more matches before joining United on November 18. The United States face Haiti on Saturday in Miami in the first leg of their Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal, with the return fixture in Cincinnati on Tuesday. The Stars and Stripes reached the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup under Pochettino before being eliminated by Belgium in Seattle.

Batson confirmed that the nine-figure buyout fee would be directed toward funding the search for Pochettino’s replacement. U.S. under-23 men’s coach Steve Cherundolo is expected to take interim charge of the senior side in the meantime.

Pochettino previously managed Chelsea, Tottenham, and Southampton in the Premier League, and takes over a United side that has made the worst start to a top-flight season in the club’s modern history. He is reported to have signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford.