Mauricio Pochettino breaks silence on becoming Manchester United manager

Manchester United’s decision to appoint Mauricio Pochettino has brought an end to the club’s search for a new manager following Michael Carrick’s dismissal on Thursday.

The Argentine was officially announced as Carrick’s successor on Friday, with the 54-year-old scheduled to begin his duties at Old Trafford on 18 November.

United have endured a difficult opening to the Premier League season, with Carrick losing his position after securing just one victory from the club’s first ten league matches.

Pochettino’s appointment marks his return to English football following previous spells with Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, although he still has international commitments to fulfil.

The former Spurs manager will oversee the United States’ upcoming matches against Haiti on 14 and 17 November before departing the national team to begin his new role.

His departure comes at an emotional moment for the United States setup, with Pochettino having developed close relationships with the players and staff during his time in charge.

Pochettino has now broken his silence on his appointment as Manchester United manager, speaking during an emotional USMNT press conference ahead of his final two international fixtures.

Mauricio Pochettino breaks silence on becoming Manchester United manager

Asked how he could explain his departure to American supporters after recently signing a new contract, Pochettino admitted the decision had been difficult.

He said, “Always when you arrive in this type of moment it is a tough moment. It is not an easy decision.

We are excited for that step, but now is not the moment to talk.”

Pochettino also explained that negotiations had been handled transparently and that he had informed his players and coaching staff once an agreement became possible.

“We were very transparent. We were talking with the federation. Yesterday when things were positive in the way that the agreement was, we had a meeting and I communicated to the player and the whole staff.

“The decision is between the federation and Manchester United that we continue with our job in the camp.

“I think we will have time next week to talk about the job at Manchester United. Now I think it is better to talk about USA soccer and the national team. We have two games ahead and the focus is completely on this.”

The Argentine appeared visibly emotional during the press conference as he reflected on leaving the national team.

He thanked American supporters for their backing and stressed that his immediate priority remained completing the international camp.

“Now is not the moment to talk about the next step. We will always care about the US federation and we are focused on the next two games, the players are amazing and they know how to manage this type of situation. It is not ideal, but it is never when this type of situation happens, but like in life, football goes so quick.

“That is why we need to move forward and keep that relationship and all of the memories that we shared. I think we were amazing. When that type of situation happens, all the soccer people understand that situation and always we talk about that. Many things happened during these two years but we always show our commitment.”

Asked when he informed the squad about his departure, Pochettino revealed that discussions had developed rapidly over the previous few days.

“With the staff and the players we cannot underestimate those people, when things became bigger, they are very sensitive. All of this was so quick because we are right here last Friday and Sunday afternoon this type of situation started to appear with some contact.

“We were very transparent with the federation and yesterday when the things were positive in the way the agreement was, we have a meeting and I communicated to the players and staff. I wanted to thank them because they were very supportive and understood the situation.

“The decision between US Soccer and Man United to agree to continue for these two games will not change our commitment. Of course that decision was between the three parts.

“We will have time next week to talk about the job in Manchester United. But now I think it’s better to talk about USMNT, to focus and complete these two games.”

Pochettino reveals why he agreed to remain with USMNT

Despite securing his move to United, Pochettino insisted that completing his final two matches was important because of the personal connections he had established.

“Why, because before professionals we are people and what the emotional link is between us is to show the commitment, respect, care and love – even if we take a decision that is not for one part maybe the best.

“We were always open because we have the respect of the players and staff and they understand the situation. Of course if Man United agreed different terms, I need to respect that. All of these games are important, the last four games were important, playing with a young squad.”

The former Tottenham manager also outlined the legacy he hoped to leave behind in the United States, while expressing his ambition to make a similar impact at Old Trafford.

“I am not arrogant. We don’t take a project to be remembered forever, to have a picture here in the national training center. It’s the impact. The human being impact. Being a good partner. Trying to, through the vision of the federation, add our quality, our knowledge of the game about how we see things. And to be part of this family. I hope in Manchester United, it happens the same, that is what we can add – our expertise about soccer.”

US Soccer chief executive JT Batson also confirmed that the £10million buyout paid by United for Pochettino and his coaching staff would be reinvested “to make the biggest impact on our goals”.

Pochettino ultimately acknowledged that the opportunity to manage United was exceptionally difficult to reject.

“They know that not too many opportunities happen in your career like manchester united. When it arrives, it’s difficult to turn down.”

The Argentine is now preparing to conclude his international duties before beginning work at Old Trafford on Wednesday.