Mauricio Pochettino breaks down in tears during press conference

Mauricio Pochettino broke down in tears during a press conference as he discussed his decision to leave his US coaching role and take over at Manchester United.

Pochettino signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford after the club sacked Michael Carrick on Thursday.

The Argentine's move from the US was formally announced on Friday.

Pochettino became emotional as he took questions from the media alongside the USA Soccer Federation's CEO JT Batson and its president Cindy Parlow Cone.

He called it a "very sad decision" and "one of the most difficult" of his coaching career - saying that the US squad "are trying to make our dreams come true".

Pochettino confirmed that he broke the news to the squad and staff during a joint meeting.

He added: "They were very supportive and they really understand the situation."

Paying tribute to his colleague, Mr Batson said: "Mauricio and his staff have raised the standard at US soccer every day they've been here. We have clearer connections now between our youth national teams and our senior team.

"The culture that Mauricio helped set within our team and even more broadly within the federation as something that will last for many, many, many years to come."

Pochettino - who has a £7m release clause in his USA contract - will be United's eighth permanent appointment since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

The 54-year-old will take charge of the side after overseeing the USA's two Nations League matches against Haiti this Saturday and next Tuesday.

Announcing him as their new head coach, Manchester United said he would take the reins from 18 November, with his first game in charge being a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool four days later.

His new bosses praised him in a statement as being "renowned for his high-intensity, attacking style of football" and his "dedication to building strong, cohesive teams and his outstanding record of developing individual players".

A spokesperson for the club added that Pochettino "has consistently performed at the highest level of football across multiple leagues".

Confirming the move, Mr Batson, said: "Mauricio has left a lasting mark on US Soccer through his leadership, professionalism and commitment to our players and culture.

"What we are most proud of goes beyond the wins. He and his staff raised standards...and strengthened our culture."

Following the appointment of his replacement, Carrick took to Instagram to describe his "immense privilege" to lead Manchester United, which "comes with huge responsibility" and is "different to anywhere else".

Acknowledging the team had not had "the results lately", he added, "it's a football club that is unique, with substance and history that cannot be ignored. This is what inspired me every single day".

Carrick's exit followed the side's worst start to a Premier League season, securing just one win in 10 games.

Sunday's 4-4 draw with Aston Villa, which saw United score twice in stoppage time, leaves them 18th in the Premier League table.

Shortly after Carrick left the training ground on Thursday morning, United said they had come to the "extremely difficult conclusion" that a change was needed.

"Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend," the club said.

"Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered."

He was initially appointed as United boss in January 2026 on a contract until the end of the season after Ruben Amorim was sacked earlier in that campaign.

More from Sky News:
Microsoft suffers global outage
Asylum centre given planning approval

Carrick delivered a good run of results, with United winning 12 out of 17 matches to earn a third-place finish in the Premier League and a return to the Champions League.

He was nominated for Premier League Manager of the Season and, on 22 May, signed a new contract running to 2028.

But the former England midfielder, who made 464 appearances during a medal-laden 12 years as a United player, oversaw just three wins from 15 matches in all competitions this season, costing him his job.

United defender Harry Maguire paid tribute to Carrick in an Instagram post: "Will always be a legend. Respect. Thank you."

(c) Sky News 2026: Mauricio Pochettino breaks down in tears during press conference