Pochettino Fights Back Tears as Manchester United Appointment Is Confirmed

Mauricio Pochettino during his time with the USMNT (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Mauricio Pochettino appeared visibly emotional, struggling to hold back the tears during a press conference with the US Men’s National Team today.

Earlier in the day, Pochettino was officially unveiled as Manchester United’s new manager, just one day after Michael Carrick was dismissed from the post.

The club confirmed the Argentine’s appointment on its official website, though he still has one final match in charge of the USA before departing for Old Trafford.

Pochettino clearly found it difficult to walk away from his current job, as he made plain when facing the press in the clip below…

? Mauricio Pochettino couldn’t hold back the tears as he addressed his decision to leave the USMNT for Manchester United ? pic.twitter.com/5c7FYop42j

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) November 13, 2026

Pochettino clearly cherished his time with US Soccer, and his reluctance also underscores just how hard it is to turn down a club of United’s stature, even if they are no longer the dominant force they once were.

Mauricio Pochettino on his difficult decision to leave the USMNT

Journalist Ben Jacobs shared further quotes from Pochettino’s press conference, in which the coach discussed his impending departure from the USMNT role.

“It’s difficult to talk now. I’m a very emotional guy. It’s a very sad decision, but in another sense we are professionals and we are trying to make our dreams come true. I didn’t prepare any speech. I am just speaking from the heart,” Pochettino said.

?? Mauricio Pochettino on leaving the USMNT. “It’s difficult to talk now. I’m an very emotional guy. It’s a very sad decision, but in another part we are professional and we are trying to make our dreams come true. I didn’t prepare any speech. I am just speaking from the heart.” pic.twitter.com/atzENqFjBz

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) November 13, 2026

Pochettino did a fine job with the USA, and they will find it difficult to replace him, though talkSPORT have already linked them with an ambitious move for former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola left Man City at the end of last season and will likely want a break from the game, but international management involves less day-to-day work and could therefore suit the Spanish tactician well.

Meanwhile, here’s why Pochettino can thrive at United…

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