Pochettino admits Manchester Utd job was hard to turn down in US farewell presser

Mauricio Pochettino struggled to hold back tears as he announced his departure from the United States men's national team, admitting that leaving the job for Manchester United was one of the most difficult decisions of his career. The Argentine, however, insisted that the opportunity to manage one of football's biggest clubs was simply too difficult to turn down.

Pochettino was visibly emotional during his farewell press conference on Friday, just hours after Manchester United confirmed his appointment as Michael Carrick's successor. The 54-year-old has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford and will officially take charge on November 19.

The former Tottenham and Chelsea manager will first oversee the United States' two upcoming matches against Haiti before leaving for England. His first match in charge of United is scheduled to be against Liverpool on November 22.

"It's difficult to talk now. I'm a very emotional guy. It's a very sad decision. It's one of the most difficult decisions of my career," Pochettino said.

"But we are professionals and we are trying to make our dreams come true."Outgoing USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino, visibly emotional as he addresses his departure publicly for the first time here at US Soccer HQ outside Atlanta. More to come in a bit. https://t.co/rc0BRMkwJq— Pablo Iglesias Maurer (@MLSist) November 13, 2026

The Argentine admitted that the chance to manage Manchester United was not something he could turn down, even though he had recently signed a new four-year agreement with US Soccer.

"It's obvious. 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 said.

Pochettino also revealed how quickly the situation developed, with the first contact coming just days before the announcement.

"All was so quick. Sunday afternoon, there started to be some contact. We were very transparent with US Soccer," he said.

He added that discussions with the federation continued until an agreement was reached, after which he informed the players and staff.

"We were talking with the federation and yesterday, when the agreement was reached, we had a meeting and I communicated with the players. They were very supportive. US Soccer and Manchester United agreed we would continue, and that will not change our commitment."POCHETTINO THANKS USA PLAYERS AND STAFF

Pochettino took charge of the United States in September 2024 and guided the team to the last 16 of the home World Cup this summer. He had subsequently signed a four-year contract extension, committing his future to the national team until 2030.

The decision to leave was made harder by the relationship he had built with the players and staff during his time with the team. Pochettino became emotional as he thanked them for their support and contribution to the project.

"The staff and the players, I want to say thank you so much for the last two years. You made me feel really happy sharing an amazing project. It's difficult now for me to finish," he said.

"We were very excited to share a project which we really believe in and are evolving together. It makes the decision harder. It's a sad decision but we are professionals, and we need to try to find the next step to make your dreams come true."An emotional Mauricio Pochettino on the “difficult decision” to leave the USMNT. https://t.co/qbrES7iOFW— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) November 13, 2026

He also acknowledged the work done during his time with the federation, saying the team had helped raise standards and rebuild belief.

"We increased the federation and around the world too. I didn't prepare a speech; I am talking from the heart. We recovered our motivation and the capacity to dig deep," Pochettino said.

"I want to recognise the value from us and me. Big thank you. You respect your work. You never lie to us. That is a difficult decision but we need to move forward."

Pochettino was also asked whether he was satisfied with what he had achieved with US Soccer. The Argentine, however, was reluctant to describe his work in those terms.

"Satisfaction is difficult in this business. You always want more and then you are a critic. I don't like to use satisfaction. In our mindset, it's trying to do better and act in the best way," he said.POCHETTINO TO STAY FOR THE USA'S TWO GAMES

Despite confirming his departure, Pochettino will remain in charge of the United States' two matches against Haiti. He explained that completing those fixtures was important to honour the commitment he had made to the players and staff.

"Why? Because before we are professional, we are a person. 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," he said.

"We have the respect of the players and the staff and they understand the situation. It's Manchester United and the federation agrees on different terms. All of the games are important."

The Argentine also acknowledged that the situation was not ideal but insisted that his focus would remain on the team's performances.

"We are brave enough to go ahead because we are optimistic and very positive. We need to play tomorrow and the next game. We need to perform."

He also had a message for American supporters who might be disappointed by his decision to leave.

"We want to thank the fans for their support and it's always a tough moment. It's not an easy decision. Normally it's the opposite. Normally, you cry because you want to stay but it's the opposite. We are excited for the step forward but it's a moment for commitment because we care and we always will," he said.

Pochettino even joked about the unusual circumstances surrounding his emotional farewell.

"Normally it's the opposite. You're sacked and you cry because you want to stay. For this case it's the opposite. It's a really tough decision, but at the same time I'm excited for that step," he said.THE CRISIS AT MANCHESTER UNITED

Pochettino inherits a Manchester United side in desperate need of a turnaround. Carrick was dismissed on Thursday following a disappointing run of results, with the club languishing in the Premier League relegation zone.

The Argentine becomes the latest manager tasked with restoring United to their former standing following Sir Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013.

He brings considerable Premier League experience, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea. His best spell in English football came at Tottenham, where he built a team capable of challenging for the Premier League title and guided the club to the 2019 Champions League final.

He also won the French league title with Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, although he is yet to win a major trophy in English football.

Pochettino was reluctant to discuss his new job in detail during his farewell press conference, insisting that he wanted to give the United States the attention it deserved before moving on.

"We'll have time next week to talk about the job at Manchester United. It's much better to talk now about US Soccer," he said.

For now, he has two more games to oversee with the United States before beginning a new chapter at Old Trafford, where the challenge of reviving Manchester United awaits.- Ends