Pochettino leaves USA role with ‘clear conscience’ before Manchester United move

Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed he will leave the United States national team after two years in charge, saying he departs with a “clear conscience” before taking over as Manchester United manager.

Pochettino will remain in charge for the USA’s final two matches against Haiti in the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals, scheduled for 14 and 18 November. Manchester United announced on Friday that the Argentine would become their new manager, bringing his time with the United States to an end.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup hosts will face Haiti before Pochettino travels to England to begin work at one of the world’s biggest clubs.

Speaking before the two matches, Pochettino thanked supporters for their backing and acknowledged the difficulty of his decision.

“I would like to thank the fans for their support. It has been a difficult time, and the decision was not easy – quite the opposite,” he said in a press conference reported by Sky Sports.

“It is very complicated, but at the same time I am excited about this new step. Now I am focused on the next match because it is important for the federation.

“Football develops very quickly and we have to move forward, but I will always cherish the memories we shared. A lot has happened during these two years. You will always be in my heart. It is difficult to find people as transparent as you. The federation is in safe hands.”

Pochettino said the players and coaching staff had been informed about the situation from the outset, with discussions taking place openly.

“We have always been transparent and discussed everything. Yesterday, when the situation started to improve, we held a meeting with the players and the coaching staff, and everyone understood the decision,” he said.

He added that an agreement between Manchester United and the United States had made it possible for him to oversee the two remaining fixtures.

“The agreement between Manchester United and the United States allowed us to find a solution, given the importance of the next two matches,” Pochettino said.

The former Espanyol, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain manager also spoke about the personal bond developed during his time with the national team.

“Before we are professionals, we are human beings. The emotional connection we built over the past two years is proof of the affection and mutual respect,” he said.

“It was an honour to be here and represent this team. Now we have to focus on the next two matches. It is a natural end to our relationship.”

Pochettino said the team had established a platform for future progress, combining experienced players with younger talent.

“We have a good foundation to continue growing,” he said. “We have players of a good level, with a mixture of experience and youth, and they have a great capacity to develop.

“We laid the foundations to compete, as we showed at the last World Cup. We have the basic ingredients, and now we must support the players.”

Pochettino said his approach was based on human relationships as much as tactics, adding: “You need to be firm when necessary, but you must also be a good human being. I hope that will be the case at Manchester United.”

He admitted he was not completely satisfied with his own performance but said the opportunity at Old Trafford could not be rejected.

“When you are offered an opportunity like the one at Manchester United, you cannot say no,” he said.