Pochettino Bids Emotional Farewell to USMNT After Sealing Man Utd Move

Pochettino to stay for Haiti double-header before Man Utd start

After leading the USA to the World Cup last 16, Mauricio Pochettino has explained why he is leaving for Manchester United just months after extending his contract to 2030.

Tears, thanks and a rapid move, Pochettino leaves USA for United...

Mauricio Pochettino bid an emotional farewell to United States Soccer on Friday, describing his decision to join Manchester United as “one of the most difficult” of his career.

Pochettino, 54, addressed the media in the United States just hours after being officially unveiled as Manchester United's new manager following the sacking of Michael Carrick.

The Argentine, who in August signed a four-year contract extension to stay on as USA coach through to the 2030 World Cup, fought back tears as he brought his successful two-year reign to a close.

“We learned a lot from you all, from this amazing country,” Pochettino said. “I think this was one of the most difficult decisions of (my) career.”

Pochettino will stay in his post to take charge of the United States' back-to-back CONCACAF Nations League matches against Haiti on Saturday and next Tuesday before beginning work with the English Premier League giants.

The former Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss grew emotional once more as he reflected on his time in the United States, which saw him guide his team to the last 16 of this year's World Cup.

“To the staff and the players, I want to say thank you so much for the last two years,” Pochettino said.

“You made me feel really happy sharing an amazing project. It's difficult now for me to finish.

“We were very excited to share a project which we really believed in. It makes the decision harder.

“It's difficult to talk now because I'm a very emotional guy. In some parts it's a very sad decision; in another part we are professional, and we are trying to make our dreams come true.”

Pochettino, who has been linked with Manchester United throughout his career, said the negotiations to complete the move had unfolded at speed.

“All was so quick because we arrived here last Friday and Sunday afternoon; this type of situation started to appear,” Pochettino said.

he 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.”

Today, @ussoccer has announced that Mauricio Pochettino will depart his role as head coach of the USMNT to become the head coach of @ManUtd. Pochettino and his staff will continue to coach the two upcoming Concacaf Nations League matches vs. Haiti. 📝: https://t.co/q1039hQmp7 https://t.co/qQGwSUpIrR

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) November 13, 2026

Pochettino said he had not been thinking about a possible return to the Premier League when he signed his contract extension with US Soccer in August, but added that the chance to join Manchester United was too big to turn down.

“I never said I wanted to go back in the Premier League,” he said.

“Not too many opportunities can happen in your career with a side like Manchester United. That is difficult to turn down when it arrives.

“But I want to make clear that when we decided to extend, it was a commitment for the federation.”