Mauricio Pochettino described his decision to step down as head coach of the United States national team to take charge of Manchester United as “one of the most difficult” choices of his professional life. The 54-year-old Argentine manager broke down in tears during his initial press conference following the confirmation of his appointment, expressing gratitude to the US Soccer Federation for their ongoing backing. It’s difficult to talk now,” he said. “I’m a very emotional guy.
Reflecting on the emotionally charged transition, Pochettino admitted that it was hard to speak in the moment because of how emotional he is, describing the departure as a deeply sad choice. However, he emphasized that as professionals, he and his team are driven to pursue their career ambitions. Although he had committed to a fresh four-year contract with the US national team only last summer, he explained that an offer from a club of Manchester United’s stature presents a rare opening that is nearly impossible to turn down. But we are professionals and we are trying to make our dreams come true.
To secure his services, Manchester United agreed to pay a buy-out release clause of approximately £7.4 million to terminate his deal with US Soccer, alongside an additional compensation fee for his incoming backroom staff. Sources confirm that Pochettino has penned a two-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford to become the successor to Michael Carrick, who was dismissed on Thursday following United’s worst opening stretch to a domestic campaign in 40 years. With a further payment being made for his backroom staff, united paid a release clause in the region of £7.4m to extract Pochettino from his USA contract.
Before officially making the move to England, Pochettino will fulfill his remaining international duties by guiding the USA national team in two upcoming fixtures against Haiti scheduled for 14 November and 18 November.
Upon his arrival in Manchester, Pochettino will take over a struggling squad currently sitting 18th in the Premier League table, just one point above bottom-placed Sunderland, having managed only a single victory across their first 10 league fixtures this season.
The newly appointed manager will face an immediate trial in his role, with his first official match leading Manchester United set for an away fixture against Liverpool on 22 November.
