Mauricio Pochettino says Manchester United opportunity made USA exit impossible to reject

Mauricio Pochettino has said his decision to leave the United States was difficult, but that the chance to manage Manchester United was one he could not turn down.

Manchester United announced on Friday that the Argentine had been appointed as the club’s new manager, bringing his two-year spell in charge of the United States to an end.

Pochettino will oversee the team’s final two matches against Haiti in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League on 14 and 18 November before moving to England to take charge at Old Trafford.

Speaking before those fixtures, Pochettino became emotional as he thanked supporters and explained his departure.

“I want to thank the fans for their support. It has been a difficult time and the decision was not easy – quite the opposite,” he said at a news conference reported by Sky Sports.

“It is very complicated, but at the same time I am excited about this new step. Now I am focused on the next game because it is important for the federation. Football moves very quickly and we have to move forward, but I will always cherish the memories we shared.

“A lot has happened during these two years. You will always be in my heart. It is difficult to find people as transparent as you. The federation is in safe hands.”

Pochettino said the players and coaching staff had been aware of the situation from the outset and that the decision had been handled openly.

“We have always been transparent and discussed everything. Yesterday, when the situation started to improve, we held a meeting with the players and coaching staff, and everyone understood the decision,” he said.

He added: “The agreement between Manchester United and the United States allowed us to find a solution, given the importance of the next two matches.”

The former Espanyol, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain manager also spoke about the personal bond developed during his time with the United States.

“Before we are professionals, we are human beings. The emotional connection we built over the past two years is proof of the affection and mutual respect,” he said.

“It has been an honour to be here and represent this team. Now we must focus on the next two matches. It is a natural end to our relationship.”

Pochettino said he was leaving with a clear conscience after laying foundations for the team’s future.

“We have a good foundation to continue growing,” he said. “We have players of a good level, combining experience and youth, with the ability to improve significantly.

“We have laid the foundations to compete, as we showed at the last World Cup. We have the essential elements and now we have to support the players.”

He said his influence was based as much on human relationships as tactical planning, adding: “You need to be firm when necessary, but you must also be a good human being. I hope that will be the case at Manchester United.”

Pochettino admitted he was not completely satisfied with his own performance, but said: “When you are given an opportunity like the one at Manchester United, you cannot refuse it.”