Leaving USA for Man Utd 'one of the most difficult decisions of my career', says Pochettino

A teary Mauricio Pochettino said leaving the United States national team to join Manchester United was "one of the most difficult decisions of my career".

Pochettino was announced as United's new head coach on Friday, though he will take charge of the USA's two-legged CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final against Haiti before making the move to Manchester.

It marks a return to the Premier League for Pochettino, who has previously managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea.

He took over as the USA's head coach in September 2024, leading them to the Gold Cup final in 2025, though they lost to Mexico in the showpiece.

However, the USA only managed a run to the last 16 at the World Cup. While it was their joint-best finish at the tournament since reaching the last eight in 2002, more was arguably expected of the co-hosts.

Pochettino, who had signed a new four-year contract with the USA following the World Cup, acknowledged that it was not an easy decision for him to leave his role.

"In some part, this is a very sad decision," an emotional Pochettino said in his press conference ahead of the first leg against Haiti.

"In another part, we are professionals. This is the next step to try and make your dreams come true.

"The most important thing is that we leave here, the moments we shared together, the things that we accomplished... all the standards we put together, we have increased.

"I haven't prepared that speech! It all came from the heart. Thank you for giving me the capacity to dream big. The players want to put the country and federation in the place they want to be.

"The human being is everything. That is why this is a difficult decision. A big thank you from my heart. We learnt a lot from this country, these amazing people.

"One of the most difficult decisions of my career."

Of managers to oversee 30+ Premier League games, Pochettino (51%) has the 19th-best win ratio in the competition's history, winning 150 games.

Pochettino has been linked with the United job in the past, and was seemingly close to joining the club in 2022 before they appointed Erik ten Hag.

And he acknowledged a move to United was not one he could turn down.

When asked about leaving for United just three months after his new USA deal, Pochettino said: "It's obvious. 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. When it arrives, it's difficult to turn down.

"When we decided together to extend our commitment, it was a commitment for the federation, just in case. We were very committed. It was to help the federation, just in case that didn't work for four years.

"When things start to become big and big, players are very sensitive, but the stuff is too. All was so quick because we arrived here last Friday, and [on] Sunday afternoon, this type of situation [talks with United] started to appear.

"We were talking with the federation, and [Thursday], 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.

"The situation is not ideal. But in life, football moves quickly. We need to move forward to keep that relationship and the memories we shared."

Pochettino insists his full focus remains on leading the USA through his final two matches.

The first leg against Haiti takes place on Saturday, before Pochettino's final game comes in the return leg three days later.

His first game in charge of Man Utd will come against Liverpool on November 22.