Pochettino says Manchester United move was ‘too difficult to turn down’

Mauricio Pochettino fought back tears as he said goodbye to the United States men’s national team on Friday, describing his decision to become Manchester United manager as one of the most difficult of his career.

The 54-year-old Argentine spoke to the media in the United States only hours after being officially confirmed as Manchester United’s new manager, following the sacking of Michael Carrick.

Pochettino had signed a four-year contract extension in August to remain as United States coach until the 2030 World Cup. However, he will leave the role after overseeing the team’s back-to-back CONCACAF Nations League matches against Haiti on Saturday and next Tuesday.

He will then begin work with the English Premier League club.

“We learned a lot from you all, from this amazing country,” Pochettino said. “I think this was one of the most difficult decisions of (my) career.”

The former Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager became emotional again when reflecting on his two years in charge of the United States. During that period, he guided the team to the last 16 of this year’s World Cup.

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

“We were very excited to share a project which we really believed in. It makes the decision harder.

“It’s difficult to talk now because I’m a very emotional guy. In some part it’s a very sad decision, in another part we are professional and we are trying to make our dreams come true.”

Rapid negotiations

Pochettino, who had been linked with Manchester United throughout his career, said the move came together in a matter of days.

“All was so quick because we arrived here last Friday and Sunday afternoon, this type of situation started to appear,” he said.

“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 also said he had not been planning a return to the Premier League when he agreed his contract extension with US Soccer in August.

He said the opportunity to take charge of Manchester United was simply too significant to reject.

“I never said I wanted to go back in the Premier League,” Pochettino said.

“Not too many opportunities can happen in your career with a side like Manchester United. That is difficult to turn down when it arrives.

“But I want to make clear that when we decided to extend, it was a commitment for the federation.”