Mauricio Pochettino may be on the verge of leaving the USMNT for Manchester United, but he is not walking away just yet.

The USMNT head coach is still expected to take charge of the team’s upcoming matches against Haiti, even as he nears an agreement with Manchester United, multiple people briefed on the plans told The Athletic. A U.S. Soccer source also confirmed the plan to ESPN.

“That’s the plan,” the source said.

The timing makes things tricky. The U.S. and Haiti are set to meet in a two-legged CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal, starting Saturday in Miami before the second leg on Nov. 17 in Cincinnati.

According to The Athletic, the fact that these are official competitive matches rather than friendlies makes the situation far more sensitive from U.S. Soccer’s perspective.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Manchester United are in crisis. The club has managed just one win through 10 Premier League matches, its worst start in the Premier League era, leaving it in the relegation zone. Manager Michael Carrick is facing the sack, and Pochettino has emerged as the favorite to replace him.

Fabrizio Romano reported that Pochettino is “close to becoming the new Manchester United head coach,” with the club’s directors awaiting a final green light. Romano added that the Argentine is open to starting immediately.

Pochettino only recently committed his future to the USMNT. In August, he agreed to a four-year extension that runs through 2030, after leading the team to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. However, the deal reportedly includes a $10 million release clause that allows him to talk to a major European club.

Article Continues Below

For now, the players are focused on the task at hand.

“Until we’re told otherwise, we have an opportunity to work with a great coach,” USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams said.

Should Pochettino depart, U.S. Soccer is reportedly dreaming big, with Pep Guardiola discussed internally as a replacement. However, the former Manchester City boss has shown little interest in an immediate return.