Mauricio Pochettino broke down in tears during an emotional farewell to the United States men’s national team after Manchester United confirmed his appointment as Michael Carrick’s successor.
The Argentine tactician was officially announced as United’s new head coach on Friday, ending months of speculation over the Premier League giants’ interest in securing his services.
According to BBC Sport, Pochettino has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford after United triggered a release clause worth approximately £7.4 million in his agreement with the United States Soccer Federation. The club will also make an additional payment to secure members of his backroom staff.
The 54-year-old’s departure comes just months after signing a fresh four-year contract with the USMNT in the summer, underlining the significance of the opportunity presented by Manchester United.
Speaking at his first news conference following confirmation of the appointment, Pochettino struggled to contain his emotions as he reflected on leaving the American national team.
“It’s difficult to talk now. I’m a very emotional guy. It’s a very sad decision,” he said.
“But we are professionals and we are trying to make our dreams come true.”
Explaining why he accepted United’s offer despite recently committing his future to the United States, the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager admitted that opportunities to manage a club of United’s stature rarely come around.
“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 added.
Pochettino will, however, complete his final international assignment with the United States, overseeing their November 14 and November 18 fixtures against Haiti before officially beginning his new chapter in England.
His appointment follows Carrick’s dismissal on Thursday after Manchester United endured their worst start to a domestic campaign in 40 years.
United currently occupy 18th position in the Premier League table, having recorded just one victory in their opening 10 league matches. They sit only one point above bottom-placed Sunderland.
The Argentine inherits a club facing significant pressure to reverse its fortunes, with his first assignment scheduled to be an away encounter against Liverpool on November 22.
Pochettino’s appointment also represents the culmination of a decade-long pursuit by Manchester United. The club considered him several times before eventually securing his services, having previously overlooked him in favour of Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
Now, with the Old Trafford opportunity finally secured, Pochettino faces the immediate challenge of restoring Manchester United’s competitiveness while leaving behind his unfinished international project with the United States.
