Pochettino's United move caps USMNT farewell with six‑nil win

Mauricio Pochettino is set to leave the USMNT for Manchester United and will soon be at Old Trafford after guiding the side to a 6‑0 victory over Haiti in the CONCACAF Nations League quarter‑final first leg on Saturday, his final assignment in a 26‑month spell.

His USMNT adventure began with a stimulating World Cup campaign and now draws to a close as he prepares for Manchester United. He must complete the CONCACAF Nations League quarter‑finals, his final assignment in a 26‑month tenure.

Final assignment and emphatic win

Concerns that a week‑long sideshow could derail the US were dispelled in Saturday’s first leg at Miami’s Nu Stadium. Two days after confirming his United move, the USMNT thrashed Haiti 6‑0. The result extended the Americans’ winning streak to five matches.

Pochettino thanked the players and staff for their commitment from the start of the journey. He said the squad remained professional despite rumours and the United announcement.

Christian Pulisic netted a brace within a two‑minute span early in the second half. Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun each added to the five‑goal second half. Auston Trusty and teenager Julian Hall scored the opening two goals.

Captain Tyler Adams said the side knew its job and stayed focused. Haiti were defensively poor.

Players applaud and look ahead

Balogun called the United opportunity once‑in‑a‑lifetime and thanked Pochettino for his impact. He added that, after leaving Monaco this winter, a move to Manchester would be natural.

Adams, who plays for Bournemouth, will meet Pochettino again in the Premier League. He praised the coach for making him a better person and player and noted the team’s growth.

Hall, who has scored in four of his five appearances, said he appreciated the chance given by Pochettino and his staff. He recalled that Pochettino was emotional when addressing the squad on Thursday.

Trusty opened the scoring with a 10th‑minute volley from Sebastian Berhalter’s free kick. His father Walt had recently died and Trusty had not featured for Celtic since mid‑October. After the match, Adams presented the game ball to Trusty. Trusty described the past weeks as the toughest of his life after losing his parent.

He said the USMNT feels like a family of brothers, sharing each other’s pain. Trusty arrived at camp after his father’s funeral in Pennsylvania.

Pochettino reflects on his USMNT spell

Pochettino said he follows his heart and dreams, acknowledging sadness but satisfaction with the progress made. He added that the work will be very good for soccer in the future.

His final act will be the second leg on Tuesday, and he insists he is fully committed to the finale. He said the team will have fans and praised Cincinnati’s fan base.

With a six‑goal cushion, he could have left for Manchester on Saturday night without criticism. He said representing the badge and country is another opportunity and praised Cincinnati’s fan base.