Pochettino in tears over ‘difficult’ decision to leave USA for Manchester United

Mauricio Pochettino broke down in tears as he described leaving the United States national team to take charge of Manchester United, calling it “one of the most difficult” decisions of his career.

The Argentine said the move was “a very sad decision”, but that the opportunity to manage United was too good to turn down. He was speaking at his first news conference since the club confirmed his appointment on Friday.

United have paid a release clause of about £7.4m to secure Pochettino from his US contract, with a further payment for his backroom staff, BBC Sport reports. He had signed a new four-year deal with the US team in the summer.

Pochettino will leave after leading the national side in matches against Haiti on 14 and 18 November. His first game as United manager is scheduled to be away to Liverpool on 22 November.

The 54-year-old succeeds Michael Carrick, who was sacked on Thursday after United’s poor start left them 18th in the Premier League. They have won once in 10 league matches and are one point above bottom-placed Sunderland.

Pochettino has been linked with the Old Trafford job repeatedly over the past decade, including after the departures of Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho and Erik ten Hag. He was also interviewed in 2024, but United appointed Ruben Amorim instead.

Carrick said in a statement to supporters that he was “incredibly grateful” to have led the club, describing it as a privilege. He added that managing United brought a “huge responsibility” and required respect for its culture and values.

United’s appointment of Pochettino comes as the club face pressure over their league position and recent managerial changes. BBC football reporter Simon Stone said the club had indicated Pochettino was the only coach it spoke to directly about taking over.