Mauricio Pochettino has described his departure from the United States national team to take charge of Manchester United as one of the hardest decisions of his professional life, breaking down in tears as he addressed reporters for the first time since the move was confirmed.

The Argentine was unveiled as Michael Carrick's replacement at Old Trafford on Friday, with sources indicating he has put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal. United reportedly triggered a release clause of around £7.4 million to secure his services, with an additional sum paid to compensate for his backroom staff.

An Emotional Farewell

Speaking at a news conference, the 54-year-old struggled to contain his emotions as he thanked the US Soccer Federation for its backing during his tenure.

"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."

Pochettino had only recently committed his future to the US national side, signing a fresh four-year contract in the summer. He will remain in charge for matches against Haiti on 14 and 18 November before making the switch to Manchester.

When pressed on why he had signed a new deal only to accept United's approach, he explained that the opportunity to manage at Old Trafford was simply too significant to pass up.

"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," he said. "When it arrives, it's difficult to turn down."

A Club in Crisis

Pochettino inherits a side in deep trouble. Carrick was dismissed on Thursday following United's worst start to a domestic campaign in four decades, leaving the club languishing in 18th place in the Premier League.

The Red Devils have managed just one win in ten league matches this season and sit only a single point above bottom-placed Sunderland. Pochettino's first assignment will be a daunting away trip to Liverpool on 22 November.

A Decade-Long Pursuit

The appointment brings an end to a courtship that has spanned more than ten years. Pochettino first caught United's eye during his impressive 18-month spell at Southampton, where he guided the Saints to an eighth-place finish in his only full season on the south coast.

Tottenham moved swiftly to secure one of Europe's most promising young coaches in 2014, and it was in north London that his reputation truly soared. The club had finished in the top four just twice in the 22 years before his arrival, yet Pochettino led them there four times in his five full seasons.

United first considered a move for him two years into his Tottenham tenure, when he dined with legendary former boss Sir Alex Ferguson in Mayfair, London, just weeks before Louis van Gaal was sacked. The club ultimately chose Jose Mourinho, and Pochettino was overlooked again in 2018 when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's impressive interim spell earned him the job permanently.

In 2022, the choice came down to Pochettino and Erik ten Hag, but the board opted for the Dutchman. He was interviewed once more in 2024 following his exit from Chelsea, yet the hierarchy again went elsewhere, hiring Ruben Amorim from Sporting.

Carrick Bows Out

Shortly after Pochettino's appointment was announced, Carrick released a statement on social media thanking United's supporters for their backing during his time in charge.

"Dear United fans, I've had the immense privilege of leading Manchester United, the football club that I love," he wrote. "There are very few who get to live that and feel it, and for that I'm incredibly grateful."

He added that the club's culture and values had driven him every day at Old Trafford, describing United as "a football club that is unique, with substance and history that cannot be ignored."