Man United’s new manager, Mauricio Pochettino, has admitted that leaving the United States national team to take charge at Old Trafford was one of the most difficult decisions of his managerial career. The Argentine became emotional during his first press conference following confirmation of his appointment, describing his departure as a sad moment despite the excitement of taking over one of football’s biggest clubs.
Pochettino was officially announced as Michael Carrick’s successor on Friday after Manchester United agreed to pay a release clause reportedly worth £7.4m. Sources told BBC Sport that the 54-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, bringing an end to his time with the United States after leading the national team in its final two matches against Haiti on 14 and 18 November.
Speaking after the announcement, the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager struggled to hold back his emotions as he thanked the US Soccer Federation for its support.
“It’s difficult to talk now,” he said. “I’m a very emotional guy. It’s a very sad decision.
“But we are professionals and we are trying to make our dreams come true.”
Pochettino in Tears Over Difficult USA Departure
Pochettino’s emotional reaction reflected the difficult nature of leaving a national team he had only recently committed his future to. The Argentine signed a new four-year contract with the United States during the summer, making his decision to accept Manchester United’s offer particularly significant.
Asked why he agreed to a fresh deal with the national team before deciding to move to England, Pochettino explained that opportunities to manage a club of United’s stature are rare.
“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,” he said. “When it arrives, it’s difficult to turn down.”
Although the decision was clearly emotional, the Argentine acknowledged the professional considerations behind accepting the offer. Managing at Old Trafford represents an opportunity that few coaches would encounter during their careers, and he was unwilling to let it pass.
United’s agreement with US Soccer also involved compensation for members of Pochettino’s backroom staff, in addition to the release clause required to secure his departure.
Man United’s New Manager: A Decade in the Making
Pochettino’s arrival at Old Trafford marks the end of a decade-long courtship. Manchester United first considered appointing him in 2016, when his reputation was growing following impressive work at Southampton and Tottenham.
He spent 18 months at Southampton, guiding the club to eighth place in his only full season on the south coast. Tottenham moved quickly to appoint him in 2014, and his reputation continued to grow during five full seasons in north London.
Spurs had finished in the Premier League’s top four just twice in the 22 years before his appointment. Under Pochettino, they achieved that position four times in five full seasons and reached the Champions League final.
United’s first serious interest came during that period. Pochettino even had dinner with legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson in Mayfair, London, just weeks before Louis van Gaal was dismissed. However, the club eventually appointed Jose Mourinho.
He was considered again after Mourinho’s departure in 2018, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was given the job following an impressive interim spell. In 2022, United chose Erik ten Hag over Pochettino, while Ruben Amorim was appointed instead after the Argentine was interviewed again in 2024.
This time, the club’s hierarchy settled on Pochettino, with reports indicating that he was the only manager United spoke to directly about taking over.
Pochettino Inherits a Manchester United Crisis
The new manager arrives at a difficult moment for Manchester United. Carrick was dismissed on Thursday following the club’s worst start to a domestic campaign in 40 years, leaving them 18th in the Premier League.
United have won just one of their opening 10 league matches and sit only one point above bottom-placed Sunderland. Pochettino will therefore inherit a team struggling for confidence and consistency, with the immediate responsibility of improving their league position.
His first match in charge will be an away fixture against Liverpool at Anfield on 22 November. It will be a demanding introduction, particularly given the limited time available to work with the squad before the encounter.
The Argentine will need to address the team’s poor results while establishing the playing identity and standards he expects from his players. His previous Premier League experience could prove valuable, but the scale of the challenge at Old Trafford is considerable.
Carrick Thanks United Fans Following His Exit
Following Pochettino’s appointment, Michael Carrick released a statement on social media thanking Manchester United supporters for their backing during his time as manager.
The former midfielder described leading the club he loves as an immense privilege and acknowledged the responsibility that comes with managing United.
“There are very few who get to live that and feel it, and for that I’m incredibly grateful,” he wrote.
Michael Carrick also reflected on the club’s culture, history and expectations, explaining that these values had inspired him throughout his time at Old Trafford. He had signed a two-year contract in May after an impressive interim spell, but his permanent tenure ended fewer than 15 matches into the campaign.
Meanwhile, questions remain about the wider structure and leadership of Manchester United. BBC Sport’s chief football news reporter Simon Stone noted the criticism surrounding recruitment and the club’s ownership arrangements. United officials, however, have rejected suggestions of a split between the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
For now, attention turns to Man United’s new manager. Pochettino’s emotional farewell to the United States has closed one chapter of his career, but the opportunity at Old Trafford presents perhaps the biggest challenge of his managerial journey.
