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Mauricio Pochettino describes his departure from the USA national team to take over as Manchester United head coach as one of the most difficult decisions of his professional life. The 54-year-old was confirmed as Michael Carrick’s successor at Old Trafford, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Contract buyout and emotional departure
Manchester United paid a release clause of approximately £7.4m to secure Pochettino from his USA contract, alongside an additional payment for his backroom staff. Although he only signed a new four-year extension with the USA over the summer, he will move to Manchester after managing the national side in upcoming fixtures against Haiti on 14 and 18 November as reported by BBC Sport.
During his first press conference following the appointment, an emotional Pochettino broke down in tears and expressed gratitude to the US Soccer Federation. He admitted that talking was difficult for him due to his emotional nature and called it a very sad decision, though he noted that professionals must pursue their dreams. When questioned about accepting the role shortly after committing to a new national team deal, he stated that opportunities to manage a club like Manchester United are extremely rare and hard to turn down.
Pochettino takes over a squad sitting 18th in the Premier League following their worst start to a domestic campaign in 40 years, having won just one of their opening 10 league matches. Carrick was dismissed on Thursday, and Pochettino’s debut in the dugout will be an away fixture against Liverpool on 22 November.
A decade of consideration at Old Trafford
Pochettino’s appointment is the culmination of a decade-long pursuit by Manchester United. After impressing at Southampton, his reputation soared during a five-year spell at Tottenham Hotspur where he guided the club to four top-four finishes.
United first weighed up hiring Pochettino two years into his tenure at Tottenham when he met with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson in Mayfair shortly before Louis van Gaal was sacked. The club ultimately chose Jose Mourinho, and Pochettino was bypassed again in 2018 for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, in 2022 when Erik ten Hag was appointed, and in 2024 when Ruben Amorim took over following Erik ten Hag’s departure.
Following Carrick’s dismissal, the former interim boss released a social media statement expressing immense gratitude for the privilege of leading the club he loves. Carrick emphasized the unique culture, history, and values that drove him during his time in charge.
Board alignment and ownership scrutiny
Club officials stated that Pochettino was the only manager they spoke to directly about the vacancy, emerging as the top choice after other names like Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, and Antonio Conte were mentioned following a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth. Internally, United representatives insisted that reports of a rift between the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are completely false, while officials stressed total unanimity among the leadership hierarchy despite mounting fan criticism over club management and recruitment.
Pochettino will prepare his new squad ahead of their upcoming league match at Anfield.
