Pochettino's emotional farewell to the USA: "It was one of the most difficult decisions in our career"

Manchester United's new head coach Mauricio Pochettino has described leaving the United States national team to take charge of the Red Devils as "one of the most difficult decisions" of his career. The Argentinian head coach fought back tears towards the end of his remarks.

Pochettino, who was announced as Manchester United's new head coach on Friday, will lead the USA in a two-legged CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final against Haiti before taking up the role on 18 November. The move marks a return to the Premier League for Pochettino, who previously coached Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea.

Pochettino took charge of the United States national team in September 2024 and guided the side to the 2025 Gold Cup final, where they were beaten by Mexico. The experienced coach, who extended his contract with U.S. Soccer until 2030 after the team's exit in the round of 16 at the World Cup, said that leaving the post had not been easy for him at all.

An emotional Pochettino told a press conference held on Friday before the Haiti match: "In some part, it's a very sad decision. In another part, it's that we are professional and we need also to find the next step, try to make your dreams come true."

The 54-year-old head coach, who said he had not prepared his speech and was "talking with my heart", said the most important thing was what they were leaving behind and the moments shared together. Thanking U.S. Soccer, Pochettino said: "We learned a lot from you, this amazing country, these amazing people." He went on: "I think it was one of the most difficult decisions in our career."

Pochettino, who has 150 wins and a win rate of 51 per cent in the Premier League, was also linked with Manchester United in 2022, before Erik ten Hag took the job.

Pochettino also explained how the departure, which came only months after he extended his contract, had unfolded, stressing that they had been transparent with the federation from the very start of the process:

"We arrive here last Friday, and Sunday afternoon I start to hear about this type of situation. We were very transparent, the first thing we were talking about with the federation."

Pochettino said that, once the agreement had been successfully concluded, he held a meeting on Thursday and informed the players and the whole staff of his decision.