Concacaf Nations League
Haiti 0 – 6 United States FT
The United States are three-time Concacaf Nations League winners [Reuters]
Mauricio Pochettino led the United States to a resounding 6-0 victory over Haiti during his second-to-last match in charge.
The former Tottenham manager, who secured a new four-year contract with the USA earlier this summer, has now agreed to a two-and-a-half-year deal to take over at Manchester United, replacing Michael Carrick.
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Pochettino will transition back to the Premier League following Tuesday’s Nations League quarter-final second leg against Haiti.
The match in Miami saw the U.S. score five goals in the second half, including a brace from AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic, making the upcoming match largely procedural for the team.
Pochettino commended his players for staying focused despite his forthcoming departure.
“I think we have an amazing future, brilliant future in this country with the national team,” Pochettino stated.
“If we are aiming for big achievements, the structure and principles are firmly in place, and they will only continue to grow.”
“The players displayed professionalism from the outset, particularly as rumors about my departure began circulating, and we confirmed it a few days ago.”
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“What makes us proud is the way the players have managed this situation with maturity.”
He continued to express confidence in the younger players emerging on the team, noting their relaxed play due to the supportive environment provided by the more experienced teammates.
Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, who nearly moved to Everton on transfer deadline day and has been linked to Manchester United, came off the bench to net the sixth goal of the match.
He commented, “The manager is an incredible individual and a great coach. It’s tough to see a top coach leave. However, that’s the nature of the game.”
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“I wish him the best at United. It’s essential for us to build on the foundation he’s established. The intensity and cohesion we’ve developed under his management are something we must carry forward.”
Manchester United paid a compensation fee estimated at £7.4 million to release Pochettino from his U.S. contract, with additional payments for his coaching staff.
Pochettino’s first game at United will be an away encounter against Liverpool on November 22.
