Mauricio Pochettino tearful over difficult decision to leave USA for Manchester United

Mauricio Pochettino has described his choice to vacate his position as manager of the USA national team to take the head coach role at Manchester United as one of the hardest of his professional life. The 54-year-old was confirmed as the replacement for Michael Carrick at Old Trafford on Friday, with reports indicating he has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year deal.

Manchester United triggered a release clause estimated at £7.4m to secure the 54-year-old from his commitment to the USA, with additional funds provided for his coaching staff. Although he had agreed to a fresh four-year contract with the USA this summer, he will leave his post following fixtures against Haiti scheduled for 14 and 18 November.

During his initial press conference following the announcement, the Argentine became visibly tearful while expressing gratitude to the US Soccer Federation. "It's difficult to talk now," he stated. "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."

When questioned about his departure so soon after extending his international contract, the manager explained that an opportunity at Old Trafford was impossible to decline. "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 noted. "When it arrives, it's difficult to turn down."

Michael Carrick was dismissed on Thursday following Manchester United's poorest opening to a domestic season in 40 years, leaving the club in 18th place in the Premier League. The new manager takes over a squad that has recorded only one victory in 10 league games, placing them one point above the bottom team, Sunderland. His debut in the dugout will be a fixture away to Liverpool on 22 November.