Tearful Pochettino on USMNT exit: Toughest decision of my career - ESPN

An emotional Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Friday that he will leave his position as United States men's national team coach Tuesday to manage Manchester United with Steve Cherundolo taking over the December camp.

Pochettino will stay on to take charge of the USMNT's two Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal games against Haiti, on Saturday and Tuesday, before traveling to Manchester. Cherundolo, who has been coaching the under-23 squad, will lead the team's previously scheduled December camp featuring a primarily MLS-based roster.

Pochettino signed a 2½-year contract at Old Trafford after finalizing an agreement Thursday.

«It's the most difficult decision of my career, but we need to move forward,» he told reporters through tears Friday, adding that he believed that the U.S. players supported his decision to leave. «They know that not too many opportunities happen in your career like Manchester United. When it arrives, it's difficult to turn down.»

U.S. Soccer did not immediately name a replacement for Pochettino, but in a news release said that U.S. women's national team coach Emma Hayes will be among those involved in the search along with federation leadership. That includes CEO and secretary general JT Batson, chief operating officer Dan Helfrich and vice president for sporting Oguchi Onyewu, «drawing on input from leaders across U.S. Soccer and the global soccer landscape.»

The Argentine leaves the U.S. team just over three months after renewing a contract that would have seen him through to the 2030 World Cup. His deal included a release clause that will see Manchester United pay the USSF around $10 million.

He signed on as U.S. coach in September 2024, taking over for Gregg Berhalter, and led the Americans into