Mauricio Pochettino watched his United States side make it three wins from three in the early hours of Monday morning – and Leeds United ace Brenden Aaronson was excellent.
The US Men’s National Team are expected to fight for The Gold Cup title this summer and have made the perfect start with three wins from three. Ahead of Haiti, USA beat Trinidad & Tobago and Saudi Arabia.
Aaronson is no longer a guaranteed starter in Pochettino’s side. The Leeds man was dropped in March by the former Spurs and Chelsea gaffer, but has been recalled this summer for The Gold Cup by Pochettino.
Aaronson was a sub in USA’s opening two games, a 5-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago and then a narrow 1-0 victory against Saudi Arabia. In the early hours of Monday morning, USA took on Haiti in Arlington.
United States v Haiti - Gold Cup 2025
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Going into the 2024-25 season, Aaronson was aiming for 15 goals and 15 assists. But he managed just nine goals and two assists, highlighting the problem with Aaronson – a lack of end product at Leeds.
But against Haiti, that was not the case. Aaronson created USA’s opener with a gorgeous curling cross to PSV’s Malik Tillman, the first of USA’s two goals in a 2-1 win. US media had their say on the £25m star.
NBC Sports gave Aaronson a 7/10: “Did the things you usually like from him while limiting the tornado-like moments that seem to send him out of control. Still just 24, he looks like a more mature product.”
Goal handed Aaronson one better, an 8/10: “Initially misplayed the ball, he more than made up for it with his cross for Tillman. Generally provided danger out wide, which has been lacking a bit in recent games.”
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
With the World Cup in sight, Aaronson has a decision to make
The United States will host the 2026 World Cup and Aaronson has a big decision on his hands. The Leeds man is good enough to be picked by his country, but he has to make sure he’s not dropped next summer.
That means Aaronson needs to be playing regularly. But with Leeds promoted and Aaronson the obvious weakness in last season’s starting line-up, The Whites will be pushing to sign a new no.10 this summer.
Leeds could sign Gustavo Hamer or Emi Buendia. Hamer is available for £18m and that places Aaronson’s future in doubt, with the World Cup likely to force him into a decision and potentially leave Leeds.
But if Aaronson was keen on catching Pochettino’s eye this summer, he certainly did that against Haiti. The knockout rounds now take place, with the USA taking on Costa Rica in a week, in Minneapolis.