Mauricio Pochettino is stepping down as head coach of the U.S. men’s national team to take charge at struggling Premier League giants Manchester United, officials confirmed on Friday.
Manchester United agreed to pay U.S. Soccer a $10 million release clause for Pochettino, alongside roughly $2 million for his coaching assistants. The transition follows Manchester United's decision to fire head coach Michael Carrick on Thursday following a difficult start to the Premier League season that left the club in the relegation zone at 18th place.
Visibly emotional during a Friday press conference, Pochettino called the departure one of the most difficult decisions of his career. Despite the impending move to England, he will briefly remain with the USMNT to manage its upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal matches against Haiti on Saturday and Tuesday. His first game with Manchester United is scheduled for November 22 away against Liverpool at Anfield.
