USMNT manager leaves after 26 months for Manchester United

Mauricio Pochettino will no longer manage the U.S. men's national team. The Argentine coach announced on Friday that he is leaving his position to take charge of Manchester United. His departure marks the end of a 26-month stint that began in September 2024.

The move concludes an experiment that drew sharp criticism for its cost relative to its results. U.S. Soccer paid Pochettino an estimated $6 million annually, along with salaries for his staff. Critics point out that the team achieved the same FIFA World Cup finish it recorded in 2010, 2014, and 2022. A closer look, however, reveals a more complex picture.

Pochettino did not inherit a team riding high after the 2022 World Cup. He took over in September 2024 following a low point for the program. The U.S. had suffered a group stage exit from the Copa América held on home soil. The team had also lost to both Panama and Canada in the Concacaf Nations League. These defeats raised alarms about performance ahead of the World Cup on home soil and ended the tenure of former manager Gregg Berhalter.

Under Pochettino, the team's culture shifted toward a no-excuses approach. Young players like Matt Freese, Alex Freeman, Sebastian Berhalter, and Malik Tillman assumed larger roles. Tactically, Pochettino implemented a high-pressing system. This strategy relied on a midfield trio of Tillman, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie. The approach addressed the team's defensive inconsistencies by leveraging strength in the center of the pitch.

The U.S. started the World Cup with strong performances. The team beat Paraguay and Australia in impressive fashion. It later defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina, a match that required grinding out a result at times with 10 players. The run ended in the round of 16 against Belgium. The U.S. was outworked and outclassed by the Red Devils. Pochettino's on-field record earned a C-plus grade, reflecting both inspiring results and unmet expectations.

U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson noted that sponsors are asking how they can become more involved. Batson attributed this interest in part to how Pochettino guided the team during the World Cup. The manager's reappointment last August had generated excitement due to the foundation laid since October 2024. A crop of young players was emerging, and additional scaffolding was being constructed for the program.

Pochettino's departure leaves the job half finished. Questions remain about what he might have achieved with more time. Initial progress in this cycle had been encouraging. However, his tenure was never destined to be long enough for a full cycle. The manager's focus appeared easily distracted by big opportunities. This mercenary attitude is common in a profession with little job security. The Manchester United role, despite the organization's dysfunction, is a rare opportunity.

U.S. Soccer knew it was making this tradeoff when it hired Pochettino. The approach still leaves a sour taste due to the steady stream of jobs to which Pochettino was linked. He appeared committed during camp. Outside of those confines, interviews where he praised the Premier League suggested less commitment. His occasional complaints about U.S. soccer culture, such as home fans being outnumbered, indicated he did not fully love the job.

U.S. Soccer may refine its approach in finding a replacement. If it chooses another high-profile manager, it should focus on candidates with a longer-term view. The timing helps, as there are 43 months until the 2030 World Cup. This timeline invites less short-term thinking from applicants.

Such concerns do not apply to American candidates like U23 manager Steve Cherundolo and Nashville SC boss B.J. Callaghan. For them, the USMNT role is the pinnacle. The federation must decide whether to hire someone for whom this is a dream job or a high-profile type for whom it is another stop on the coaching train. It seems unlikely U.S. Soccer can find both traits in one candidate. It will have to choose one or the other.