Tearful Pochettino explains why Manchester United was too big to turn down

Mauricio Pochettino struggled to hold back tears at his first press conference since being confirmed as Manchester United’s new manager on Friday, calling the move “one of the most difficult decisions of my career” while explaining why he walked away from a long-term commitment to the United States.

Pochettino had signed a four-year contract extension with the USA in the summer, a deal designed to keep him in charge through the 2030 World Cup. That plan unravelled when United triggered his release clause following the sacking of Michael Carrick on Thursday, agreeing to pay US Soccer compensation of an initial $7m (£5.3m).

“It’s obvious,” Pochettino said when asked why he chose to leave. “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 was careful to frame his summer extension not as a broken promise but as a gesture of goodwill toward the federation. “When we decided together to extend our commitment, it was a commitment for the federation, just in case,” he said. “We were very committed. It was to help the federation, just in case that didn’t work for four years.”

Pochettino confirmed that United first made contact on Sunday afternoon and said he was “very transparent” with US Soccer throughout the process. Despite the significance of the announcement, he chose to keep much of his press conference focused on his remaining duties with the national team rather than his impending role at Old Trafford.

“We have time this week to talk about the job at Manchester United, but I think it’s much better to talk about us, about US Soccer,” he said. “We have two games ahead and now it’s focus on this.”

The former Tottenham and Chelsea manager will remain in the USA dugout for their two Concacaf Nations League fixtures against Haiti — an away match on 14 November and a home match in Cincinnati on 18 November — before reporting to United’s Carrington training ground shortly after. His official start date is 18 November, leaving him just four days to prepare for a Premier League trip to face Liverpool at Anfield on 22 November.

Pochettino also addressed why he chose to honour the remainder of the international break rather than step away immediately, citing his responsibility to the players and staff around him.

“Because before being professional, we are a person,” he said. “The emotional link between us is to show the commitment and respect and the love, even if we take a decision that is not the best for one part. We have the respect of the players and the staff and they understand the situation.”