As Mauricio Pochettino prepares to leave for Manchester United, USMNT players are giving him a fitting farewell

MIAMI — Mauricio Pochettino's days with the U.S. national team are almost over, a bittersweet conclusion to an adventure that carried through one stimulating World Cup but, because of Manchester United's irresistible allure, will fall years short of another. Before he can head off to Old Trafford, though, he must complete the final assignment of his 26-month tenure: the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals. Any concerns the week-long sideshow would lead the U.S. astray were extinguished in Saturday's first leg at Nu Stadium. Two days after Pochettino told them he had accepted United's offer, the Americans performed with purpose and panache in a 6-0 drubbing of Haiti . Yes, Haiti was horrible defensively. But Pochettino had his team playing quality soccer in extending the winning streak to five. "Thank you to the players, to the staff, to everyone because the commitment we showed was what we wanted from the beginning in this journey together more than two years ago," Pochettino said. "That is why I am so happy. They were very, very professional from the day they started to see all the rumors, and then when we confirmed [the United move] a few days ago … we were so proud how they managed the situation." In their first appearances since the World Cup, Christian Pulisic scored twice in a two-minute gap early in the second half, and Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun contributed to a five-goal second half that rendered Tuesday's second leg in Cincinnati almost meaningless. Auston Trusty and teenager Julian Hall were responsible for the first two goals. Mauricio Pochettino's time with the USMNT is nearly over, but the bond he built with his players appears to be intact. JC Ruiz via Getty Images Amid the Pochettino-United saga , "We know we had a job to do," captain Tyler Adams said, "and you could see we were focused on it." In their first comments since Pochettino announced he was leaving, players said they were happy for him. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Balogun said. "We have to respect that and understand that. It's a part of the business. I wish him all the best, and I'm very grateful for everything he's done for the national team. I've played my best football for the national team under Pochettino. He's come in and really shaken things up. I'm someone who's benefited from that." Balogun could benefit from Pochettino's move to United, as well. Speculation has begun that the striker, who is intent on leaving Monaco this winter, could land in Manchester. "Obviously the connection, and him going, it's just natural" it would lead to speculation, Balogun said. Adams, who plays for Bournemouth, will see Pochettino again in the Premier League. "Listen: Anybody that's been in the football world long enough knows these kinds of things happen," he said. "I've had plenty of coaches throughout my career, and I'm definitely thankful for this opportunity I've had to work under Mauricio. He's made me a better person and player. Taught us a lot. The growth of the team is evident." Hall, who debuted earlier this fall and has scored in four of his five appearances, was appreciative of the opportunity afforded by Pochettino and his staff, which is also headed to England. When Pochettino addressed the team Thursday, "he was emotional," Hall said. "He put so much into this team. As a team we accepted it, and we're just focused on the future and how we're going to keep progressing." Saturday was particularly special for Trusty, who scored the opener on a 10th-minute volley off Sebastian Berhalter's free kick. His father, Walt, recently died, and Trusty had not played for Scottish club Celtic since mid-October. After the match, Adams presented the game ball to the center back. "The past few weeks have been very, very tough — probably the toughest of my life," he said. "Never easy losing a parent. You live for them, you play for them, and he was very influential for me growing up, and also put me in the position I'm in today." Although the U.S. team is not together very often, players regard it as a family. "They're all brothers, so if I'm hurting inside, they're hurting as well," said Trusty, who arrived at camp after the funeral in Pennsylvania. U.S. teams have had strong bonds before. Pochettino forged one as well. Soon, though, he is off. "Always I follow my heart and my dreams," Pochettino said. "Yes, it is sad, but at the same time, we are in the place we wanted. It was really tough during two years, but we achieved something that is difficult to measure. It is going to be very, very good for soccer in the future." Pochettino's last act comes Tuesday. He might have reneged on his long-term commitment , but he said is fully committed to the finale. With a six-goal cushion, no one would blame him if he had dashed off to Manchester on Saturday night. "It's another opportunity to represent your badge, your country," he said. "We are going to have our fans. I hear that [Cincinnati] has an amazing fan base. I want to feel that and the players want to feel that. And I think the most important thing is to [approach] the game [as if] we need to win, that we need to perform." USMNT notes With 35 goals, Pulisic passed Eric Wynalda for fourth place on the U.S. career scoring chart. He trails Clint Dempsey (57), Landon Donovan (57) and Jozy Altidore (42).