Mauricio Pochettino broke down in tears during his first news conference after confirming his decision to leave the United States men's national team (USMNT) and take charge of Manchester United. The Argentine described the move as "one of the most difficult" decisions of his career.
"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."
Manchester United are reportedly paying around $10 million (£7.4 million) to trigger Pochettino's release clause with the USMNT. A further payment will be made to secure the services of his backroom staff.
Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the Manchester United men’s head coach.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 13, 2026
The Argentine, who has reportedly signed a contract until 2029, had signed a fresh four-year contract with the United States in the summer. However, he will leave the national team after their two matches against Haiti on November 14 and 18. Explaining his decision to walk away from the new deal, Pochettino said the opportunity to manage Manchester United was one he could not refuse.
"Not too many opportunities can happen in your career like Manchester United and, of course, when that arrives it is difficult to turn down," he told reporters. "In some ways, it is a very sad decision (to leave the US team)," he added, wiping away tears.
"But in other ways, we are professionals, and we also need to look ahead and try to find the next step to help make your dreams come true."
Pochettino faces a difficult task at Old Trafford, with United currently 18th in the Premier League. Carrick was sacked on Thursday after the club endured their worst start to a domestic campaign in 40 years. United have managed just one win in 10 league matches this season and are only a point clear of bottom-placed Sunderland.
The Argentine's first assignment will be a trip to Liverpool on November 22.
