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Tearful Pochettino on ‘difficult’ decision to leave USA for Man Utd
Mauricio Pochettino says leaving the United States national team to become Manchester United head coach was one of the most difficult decisions of his career. He became emotional as he thanked US Soccer for its support, but said the rare chance to manage at Old Trafford was too good to turn down.
United have paid about £7.4m to release him from his US contract, with an additional payment for his staff. Pochettino, who signed a new four-year deal with the US in the summer, will first lead the team in two matches against Haiti on 14 and 18 November. He is due to take charge of United against Liverpool on 22 November; the club are 18th after winning once in 10 league games.
In short
- Pochettino called leaving the US team a deeply difficult decision.
- Manchester United paid about £7.4m to release him.
- His first United match is scheduled against Liverpool on 22 November.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Pochettino can reasonably see Manchester United as a rare career opportunity: managing one of football’s most prominent clubs may offer a greater platform and the chance to compete for major honours. He has also expressed gratitude to US Soccer and will lead the team in two remaining matches, while United are paying to release him and compensate his staff.
The case against
Leaving so soon after signing a four-year extension can reasonably be seen as a breach of the commitment the US team and its supporters were entitled to expect. The timing may disrupt preparations and unsettle players, especially with important matches ahead, and his move to a struggling United could appear to prioritise personal ambition over the national team’s needs.