Pochettino Prepares for Manchester United as USA Routs Haiti 6-0

Six goals in Miami

Trusty opened the scoring in the first half, turning Sebastian Berhalter’s free kick past Haiti goalkeeper Alexandre Pierre. Pulisic then scored twice, and 18-year-old Julian Hall added a goal after a sequence involving six passes.

McKennie made it five before substitute Balogun completed the scoring with about eight minutes of regular time left. It was the USA’s fifth straight win, including four exhibition victories earlier in the fall.

Pochettino’s departure looms

The match was the USA’s first competitive fixture since the 2026 World Cup and is expected to be the second-to-last under Pochettino. He is set to take over Manchester United next Wednesday.

Reports about his potential move emerged before all 25 called-up players had arrived at the team’s training center near Atlanta. Veteran defender Antonee “Jedi” Robinson said the players knew about the reports and intended to focus on their work until Pochettino’s departure was confirmed.

Pulisic makes his return

Pulisic earned Man of the Match honors after scoring his first U.S. brace since June 2023. It was his first appearance for the national team since the World Cup.

He had faced criticism after the USA’s 4-1 loss to Belgium in the tournament’s round of 16, where he went scoreless in four games. The article also reports that he had suffered a double microfracture in his right leg.

Hall’s goal carries weight

Hall’s goal capped a move that began more than 100 yards from Haiti’s net, with six passes involving Alex Freeman, McKennie, Berhalter, Pulisic and Robinson. It was his fourth goal in five games since his September debut.

Because Hall had made more than three U.S. appearances, Saturday’s official match permanently tied him to the country for his international career. He had also been eligible to represent Poland through his mother.

Second leg set for Tuesday

The teams play again Tuesday in Cincinnati, with the quarterfinal decided by aggregate goals. The USA is now strongly positioned to advance to the final four in Los Angeles. Pochettino’s side will aim for a sixth straight win in what is expected to be a pro-USA crowd in southern Ohio.