Mauricio Pochettino: New Man Utd head coach in tears as he labels leaving USMNT 'toughest decision of career'

An emotional Mauricio Pochettino said that leaving his role with the United States was the "toughest decision of his career" but admitted he couldn't turn down the chance to become head coach of Manchester United.

Pochettino has been appointed as Michael Carrick's replacement at Old Trafford having signed a deal until the summer of 2029. It comes mere months after extending his stay with the USMNT until the 2030 World Cup.

The Argentine will begin his new role on November 18, after taking charge of the USA's two fixtures against Haiti.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference before his penultimate game, Pochettino broke down in tears as he explained his decision.

"In some part, this is a very sad decision. In another part, we are professionals. This is the next step to try and make your dreams come true," the former Spurs and Chelsea boss said.

"It all happened so quickly. By Sunday afternoon there was contact. You always were transparent and always tried to build something together. We learned a lot from you all, this amazing country and you amazing people. This is one of the most difficult decisions of my career. Thank you so much."

Pochettino last held a club role in Europe during his one-season stint at Chelsea, which came to an end in 2024. When asked why he had opted to leave his post to return to the Premier League, Pochettino didn't hide the fact that taking the Old Trafford hot seat was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"It's obvious," Pochettino added. "They [US Soccer Federation] know that not many opportunities can happen in your career like a side the size of Manchester United.

"When that arrives, it's difficult to turn down."

Pochettino explains why he is staying for two more games

Pochettino will start life at Carrington following the international break, and will have three training sessions with the players before the trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

The new head coach admitted that he would have started sooner if asked to, but explained why he wanted to see out the remainder of this camp.

"I am a professional person and the emotional link between us we have built in this two years is to show the commitment and respect and care and love," Pochettino said.

"Even if we take a decision which is not the best for one part, we've always been open. We have the respect of the players and staff, they understand the situation.

"Of course, if Manchester United and the federation agreed different terms, I would have respected between both. But this happened and of course, all the games are important.

"The last four games were important. We gave debuts to 13 players, before the cup I thought everyone had different ideas about it but we believe in the programme and are brave enough to go ahead. We're always optimistic and positive.

"After this camp, with four victories, we've been consistent in the same way, win or lose. We believe in the programme. It's an honour for us to be here, defend our patch and our players.

"We need to play tomorrow and the next game. We're not thinking in the future, it's about performing. We're very optimistic and it's a natural way to finish our partnership."

Emotional Poch rediscovered motivation in USA

Sky Sports News' chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol:

"We've always known Mauricio Pochettino is an emotional person. He wears his heart on his sleeve. But I don't think you would normally expect a manager to break down and be so emotional in a press conference when he was leaving the USA to manage Manchester United.

"But that just tells you about the kind of guy he is because he's all about personal relationships. And obviously, he's made some very good friends in the US.

"He also said: 'We recovered our motivation here'. He was quite hurt and bruised by what happened to him at PSG and at Chelsea. It's almost like he's rediscovered his motivation by working in the US. And now he's ready to come back to the Premier League."

Carrick’s unintentional advice to Pochettino

In the wake of the announcement of Pochettino as the new head coach at Old Trafford, his predecessor Michael Carrick penned an emotional farewell off the back of his sacking on Wednesday.

Carrick took to social media to thank supporters saying, “you've shown me nothing but love and support in times when the easiest thing, and what most end up doing, would be to turn the other way".

In his post, the former Red Devils midfielder also lent an inadvertent word of advice for his replacement, giving an insight into what life is like at the club.

“To be at Manchester United, you need to understand exactly what that means,” Carrick added.

"It's different to anywhere else. Ultimately, you need to push to be the best, but there is a culture, there are values and there are behaviours that you have to live by and respect, which have been built over a long period of time.

"It's a football club that's unique, with substance and history that cannot be ignored.”

Pochettino's first six games in charge

Sunday November 22: Liverpool (a) - kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports

Wednesday November 25: Sporting CP (a) - kick-off 8pm

Saturday November 28: Brentford (h) - kick-off 3pm

Wednesday December 2: Newcastle (a) - kick-off 8.15pm, live on Sky Sports

Saturday December 5: Coventry (h) - kick-off 3pm

Tuesday December 8: RB Leipzig (h) - kick-off 8pm

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