Mauricio Pochettino to leave US team for Manchester United after Nations League matches

Mauricio Pochettino will finish his tenure with the United States men's national team by overseeing two Concacaf Nations League fixtures on Saturday and Tuesday, then assume the role of head coach at Manchester United. His first match in charge of United is scheduled for next Sunday against Liverpool.

United have signed Pochettino to a two-and-a-half-year deal, replacing Michael Carrick, who was dismissed after a poor start to the season that left the club in the Premier League relegation zone. The club selected Pochettino over other candidates, including Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, with the appointment approved by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The appointment is described as a move to strengthen the dressing-room culture and to bring a coach with a record of player development. United paid the US federation roughly $10 million, plus an additional fee for Pochettino’s assistants.

Pochettino, who signed a four-year contract with US Soccer in August, said, "> The opportunity to represent the USA crest was one of the greatest honours of my career. We are so grateful to the players for their commitment, to the fans for their belief, and to the federation for always supporting our staff and creating the opportunities to impact the culture of soccer in this great country."

He added, "> We want to thank Cindy Parlow Cone, JT Batson and Dan Helfrich for their partnership and incredible working relationships throughout our time here. There is tremendous talent in the US player pool from the youth teams through to the senior team, and it’s one of the reasons we have so much belief for the future of US Soccer. You will always have a special place in our hearts, and we will be supporting the teams whenever they step on the field."

During his two-year spell, Pochettino compiled a 21-12-2 record, guided the team to the World Cup last-16 and integrated more than a dozen new players. Steve Cherundolo, head coach of the US U-23 side, will lead the senior team’s December camp.

At Manchester United, captain Bruno Fernandes has declined a new contract offer, though the club retains an option to extend his deal for an additional year. Fernandes, who won the PFA Men’s Player of the Year award last season, has faced criticism over recent form and comments on Carrick’s tactics.