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

What the report says

Mauricio Pochettino has described his move from the United States men’s national team to Manchester United as one of the hardest decisions of his career. BBC Sport reports that the Argentine coach was emotional and in tears at a news conference after his appointment at Old Trafford was confirmed, and he thanked the US Soccer Federation for its support. Sources told BBC Sport he has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract, while United also paid a release fee to bring him out of his USA deal and make an additional payment for his staff.

Pochettino only signed a new four-year agreement with the USA in the summer, but he will leave after two November matches against Haiti before taking charge at United. He said the chance to manage at Old Trafford was too significant to refuse, even though he had recently extended his international contract. His first match in charge is expected to be away to Liverpool on 22 November.

The appointment follows the dismissal of Michael Carrick after United’s poor start to the season. The club are sitting in 18th place in the Premier League, with one win in 10 league games. The BBC also notes that Pochettino had long been linked with the job over several years, making this move the latest stage in a long pursuit by United. It matters because he arrives under pressure to stabilise results quickly at a club with major expectations and limited room for further setbacks.