“Gave Me a Career”- Yunus Musah Lauds Gregg Berhalter for Inspiring His Decision to Choose USMNT Over England

Gregg Berhalter left the USMNT with a sour taste indeed. The American tactician’s failure in his two separate stints with Christian Pulisic and Co. makes him a persona non grata in many circles. For Yunus Musah, however, Berhalter is a man to whom the US youngster will always remain indebted, as the manager played a key role in his decision to choose Team USA over England.

The AC Milan midfielder was recently invited as a guest on Men in Blazers’ Vamos with Herc Gomez podcast. When the former USMNT star asked Munus about the impact that Berhalter had on his international breakout, he said, “Gregg opened my doors to the US Men’s National Team and gave me a career so [I’m] grateful for that. Played so many games—played in the World Cup and [CONCACAF] Nations League as well. So, Gregg left me a lot.”

Musah—who holds both the United States and England citizenship—represented the Three Lions’ U15, U16, U17, and U18 sides from 2016 to 2019. Under managers like Ian Foster, Steve Cooper, Neil Dewsnip, and Kevin Betsy, the midfielder managed to feature 32 times and even net 4 goals. However, a year later, Berhalter managed to convince him to play for the Star and Stripes.

“It was difficult because I had a great time with England. It’s not like someone was telling me to go. Ultimately, I had to make the best decision for my career and I have enjoyed every minute that I have been with USMNT,” concluded Musah.

Notably, the former Arsenal academy graduate made his USMNT debut aged 17, on November 12, 2020. So far, he has made 39 appearances for the Eagles but is yet to open his account. While he was called up for the FIFA World Cup 2022 as well as the 2024 Copa America, victory wasn’t achieved in either of them. Luckily, three CONCACAF Nations League (19/20, 23/24, and, 22/23) wins opened his silverware tab with Team USA.

Yet, even though Berhalter played the key role in helping Musah choose USMNT, was there any other factor to his decision to live the American dream?

Gregg Berhalter gave what England didn’t give to Yunus Musah!

Yunus Musah remains grateful for his time with the Three Lions’ youth side. However, it remained for the midfielder till the U19 as he kept dreaming of his first national call-up from England. “I never thought about switching at first. But it came to a point where I was a first-team player in Valencia and I was still playing Under-19s with England that season,” revealed Musah in an earlier interview with DailyMail.

While a call from then-England manager Gareth Southgate was yet to come, Gregg Berhalter seized the opportunity to lure Musah and rang him up. “That was a big phone call to receive at such a young age, for me to go and play with the men’s team—a huge opportunity that I felt like I couldn’t refuse, and I’ve never looked back since.” Perfect timing and, most importantly, the faith and belief that Berhalter showed in Musah are why the youngster remains grateful.