Pochettino Expected to Join Manchester United Following Michael Carrick Dismissal

United States forward Folarin Balogun praised Mauricio Pochettino's impact on team standards as the manager nears an official move to Manchester United.

Manchester United fired manager Michael Carrick on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, clearing the path for Mauricio Pochettino to take over the Premier League club. While the official announcement is pending, Pochettino remains scheduled to lead the United States men’s national team in the upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti. The first leg is set for Saturday in Miami, followed by a return leg in Cincinnati three days later.

U.S. forward Folarin Balogun stated during a Thursday news conference that he would vote to keep Pochettino as manager if given the choice. Balogun credited the Argentine with raising training intensity and improving the squad's mindset by treating friendlies as official matches. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, who debuted under the coach in September 2024, noted that the team has not yet received official word regarding the departure.

Despite the looming transition, Berhalter emphasized that the squad’s preparation routines will remain unchanged. Balogun highlighted that Pochettino has established a clear playing style and identity for the U.S. team, which crashed out of the 2024 Copa América group stage prior to his arrival. The forward expressed confidence that the federation would seek another top-tier coach should the Manchester United move be finalized.