Other1 min read

Tearful Pochettino on 'difficult' decision to leave USA for Man Utd

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Mauricio Pochettino has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford after the English side agreed to pay his release clause and an extra fee for backroom staff. His immediate task will be reversing the fortunes of a side that has managed only one win in their opening 10 matches. Before assuming control for an away clash against Liverpool on 22 November, he will fulfill his remaining obligations by coaching the USA in upcoming fixtures against Haiti.

Key points

  • The agreement finalizes a decade of sporadic interest from the English club, which previo…: The agreement finalizes a decade of sporadic interest from the English club, which previously considered him on four separate occasions.
  • The new head coach will face an immediate high-profile test when his tenure begins away a…: The new head coach will face an immediate high-profile test when his tenure begins away against Liverpool on 22 November.
  • The former manager departed with a gracious statement highlighting the unique culture and…: The former manager departed with a gracious statement highlighting the unique culture and historical values of leading Manchester United.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

- Published

Mauricio Pochettino says the decision to leave his role as boss of the USA national team to become Manchester United head coach was "one of the most difficult" of his career.

The Argentine was announced as Michael Carrick's successor at Old Trafford on Friday, with sources telling BBC Sport he has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.

United paid a release clause in the region of £7.4m to extract Pochettino from his USA contract, with a further payment being made for his backroom staff.

Pochettino only signed a new four-year deal with the USA in the summer, but will depart for Manchester after leading the national team in matches against Haiti on 14 and 18 November.

The 54-year-old broke down in tears during his first news conference after his move to United was confirmed, and thanked the US Soccer Federation for its support.

"It's difficult to talk now," he said. "I'm a very emotional guy. It's a very sad decision.

"But we are professionals and we are trying to make our dreams come true."

Asked why he signed a new…

Other