Pochettino in tears as he explains decision to quit United States for Manchester United

A tearful Mauricio Pochettino says leaving the USA national team for Manchester United was one of the most difficult decisions of his career.

Mauricio Pochettino says the decision to leave his role as boss of the USA national team to become Manchester United head coach was “one of the most difficult” of his career.

As reported by BBC Sport, the 54-year-old broke down in tears during his first news conference after the move was confirmed on Friday. He thanked the US Soccer Federation for its support.

“It’s difficult to talk now,” he said. “I’m a very emotional guy. It’s a very sad decision.”

United paid a release clause of around £7.4m to free him from the four-year deal he signed with the USA only in the summer.

“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 said. “When it arrives, it’s difficult to turn down.”

He now inherits a side 18th in the Premier League, and a trip to Liverpool on November 22 will be his first test.