Credit - ESPN

Sagarneel Chakraborty

America Is Angry at Mauricio Pochettino Leaving USMNT for Man United, Jesse Marsch Makes It Worse

ESPN, Jesse Marsch, Manchester United, Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT

2026 was quite the year for the United States Men’s National Team. As hosts of the FIFA World Cup, the Stars and Stripes made what some would call a lasting impression – going as far as the Round of 16 after a largely impressive performance in the group stage.

And the man mostly credited for the USMNT’s improved display in the last edition? The confirmed new Manchester United ’head coach’ Mauricio Pochettino. 

The Argentine head coach took charge of the USMNT in September 2024, managing approximately 35 games with a points-per-game (PPG) average of 1.91.

In the 2026 World Cup, he led the USA to the knockout stage (round of 16) on home soil, breaking USMNT World Cup records for the most wins (3) and most goals scored (11) in a single World Cup tournament.

With comprehensive wins over Paraguay, Australia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina, the USMNT looked to be turning a page in their international history – until a 4-1 defeat to Belgium ended their run.

Despite losing to the Red Devils by a comprehensive margin, Mauricio Pochettino and his young roster of stars were lauded by their countrymen for an improved effort that saw them finish 12th in the World Cup overall.

However, if the USMNT fans wanted to see the next chapter of their national team’s journey to success unfold under the Argentine head coach — they certainly were not ready for what was coming up next. 

Tony Cornheiser from ESPN’s ‘Pardon the Interruption’ established the debate in the mainstream after they asked whether the Man Utd project was indeed a better job than at the USMNT, and within no time, disgruntled USMNT fans took to social media to voice their displeasure at Pochettino – the man they thought could lead them to the promised land – leaving their project just to join a struggling Red Devils outfit that has recently proven to be quite the managerial graveyard.

Fans took to X to echo Cornheiser in questioning whether the Man Utd job is better than the USMNT gig after all – considering the promise Pochettino’s young team showed on home soil not many months ago – only for the head coach to go back to the Premier League when the first opportunity came calling.

Former USMNT player and assistant Jesse Marsch added fuel to the flames with his latest comments on the situation.

The current Canada Men’s Team head coach slammed Pochettino’s decision to abandon his current project for a challenge elsewhere, as he went on to cite himself as an example – and doubled down on how signing the Canada contract meant that no matter what challenge excited him, his love for the Canadian national team would make sure he stays.

“When I signed my contract to stay here, it was with the full intention that, no matter who was coming or what was coming or anything, I’m not leaving. I’m staying here. I love this job. I love this team. I love this federation and the sport in this country.”

It will certainly be interesting to see how Pochettino’s stint at Old Trafford works out, but if it doesn’t – we won’t be surprised to see USMNT fans pile on his misery the first chance they get.

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