Pochettino Breaks Down in Tears as He Explains ‘Difficult’ Decision to Leave USA for Manchester United

Mauricio Pochettino has described his decision to leave his role as head coach of the United States national team for Manchester United as one of the most difficult choices of his career.

The Argentine was confirmed as Michael Carrick’s successor at Old Trafford on Friday, with sources telling BBC Sport that he has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Manchester United reportedly activated a release clause worth about £7.4 million to secure his departure from the US national team, with an additional payment for his backroom staff.

Emotional Farewell to the US National Team

Pochettino became emotional during his first news conference following confirmation of his move, breaking down in tears as he thanked the US Soccer Federation for its support.

“It's difficult to talk now. I'm a very emotional guy. It's a very sad decision,” he said.

He added that, despite the personal difficulty, professional ambitions also influenced his decision.

Asked why he accepted a new four-year contract with the United States in the summer before agreeing to join United, the 54-year-old said the opportunity to manage the English club was too significant to turn down.

“I never said I wanted to go back but they know there aren't too many opportunities that happen in your career like Manchester United. When it arrives, it's difficult to turn down,” he said.

Pochettino will leave the United States after overseeing its matches against Haiti on November 14 and 18.

Tough Challenge Awaits at Old Trafford

The new appointment comes as Manchester United struggle through a difficult domestic campaign. Carrick was dismissed on Thursday following the club’s worst start to a domestic season in 40 years.

United have managed just one win in their opening 10 league matches and are 18th in the Premier League, only one point above bottom-placed Sunderland.

Pochettino's first match in charge is expected to be an away fixture against Liverpool on November 22.

A Decade-Long Pursuit by Manchester United

Pochettino's appointment marks the end of a long-standing interest from Manchester United, which first considered hiring him in 2016 after his impressive work at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.

He guided Southampton to eighth place in his only full season at the club before taking charge of Tottenham in 2014. During his five full seasons in north London, he led the team to four top-four finishes.

United considered him for the managerial role on several occasions but opted for other candidates, including Jose Mourinho, Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.

He was also interviewed following his departure from Chelsea in 2024, but the club eventually appointed Amorim.

Carrick Thanks United Supporters After Exit

Following the announcement of Pochettino's appointment, Carrick issued a statement on social media expressing gratitude to Manchester United supporters.

He described leading the club as an immense privilege, adding that managing United came with a responsibility shaped by its unique history, culture and values.

Meanwhile, United officials have reportedly maintained that the club's leadership was united in its decision to appoint Pochettino, despite criticism from supporters over the club's management and recent performances.

The appointment gives Pochettino another opportunity to establish himself at one of English football's biggest clubs, but he faces the immediate challenge of improving a struggling side.

BBC Sport