Full Intention to Stay: Jesse Marsch Slams Mauricio Pochettino’s Shock Move to Man Utd

Pochettino leaves U.S. team

Manchester United announced Pochettino as its new manager on Friday. He replaces Michael Carrick, who was fired less than 24 hours earlier. The move followed a plan first reported less than a week ago. Pochettino, a 54-year-old Argentine, had signed a four-year renewal with U.S. Soccer in August; the departure carries a $10 million repercussion for United.

Marsch says he will stay

Canada manager Jesse Marsch criticized Pochettino’s decision to leave. Pochettino described the choice as “the most difficult of his career.” Marsch said Friday that he agreed to remain with Canada intending to stay regardless of who arrived or what happened. He said he loves the job, the team, the federation and the sport in the country.

Canada builds for next World Cup

Marsch previously wanted the U.S. men’s national team job and believed he had secured it in 2022. He turned down an offer from Leicester City, but U.S. Soccer changed course and rehired Gregg Berhalter.

Marsch took charge of Canada in spring 2024, months before the U.S. hired Pochettino. Canada then earned its first World Cup point with a 1–1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, beat Qatar 6–0 for its first tournament win, and reached the knockout stage for the first time.

Canada also claimed its first knockout-stage victory, beating South Africa 1–0 in stoppage time to reach the round of 16. U.S. Soccer is reportedly considering Pep Guardiola as its leading candidate to replace Pochettino; Nashville SC manager B.J. Callaghan and U-23 Olympics manager Steve Cherundolo have also been mentioned.