A CRYING SHAME! Pochettino bursts into tears in first press conference since joining Man Utd as he opens up on difficult quitting USA job

Mauricio Pochettino was in tears during his first press conference since being unveiled as Manchester United's new head coach as he expressed how difficult it is to leave his role with the United States men's national team.

United confirmed that the 54-year-old had agreed to succeed Michael Carrick at Old Trafford on Friday afternoon, just hours before Pochettino was scheduled to address the United States media in a press conference ahead of their upcoming game against Haiti.

Pochettino cut an emotional figure as he addressed his departure and spoke through tears before taking a moment to compose himself.

He said: “A decision that in some part is a very sad decision and in another part that we are professional and are trying to find the next step, try to make your dreams come true and I think the most important thing is what we leave here. The moment that we shared together, all the things that we accomplished and put in place and the standard that we increase in that foundation.”

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Pochettino swiftly emerged as the leading candidate to replace Carrick, who was sacked on Thursday after overseeing just one win from 10 Premier League games this season.

Reports outlining that Pochettino and United were close to an agreement were rife prior to Carrick being officially removed from his post and the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager shed some light on the process, which includes an agreement that Pochettino will oversee the double-header against Haiti before starting his new role on November 18.

“We were very transparent,” he said. “We were talking with the federation. Yesterday when things were positive in the way that the agreement was, we had a meeting and I communicated to the player and the whole staff.

“The decision is between the federation and Manchester United that we continue with our job in the camp.

“I think we will have time next week to talk about the job at Manchester United. Now I think it is better to talk about USA soccer and the national team. We have two games ahead and the focus is completely on this.”

Pochettino has agreed a two-and-a-half year contract to take charge at United, who came close to hiring him twice in the past.

Though Pochettino has made no secret of his desire for a Premier League return, he signed a contract extension with the USMNT until 2030 after guiding them to the last 16 of a home World Cup in the summer.

Asked why he signed an extension if he craved a return to Europe, Pochettino replied: “I think it's obvious, I never said that I wanted to go back. They know that there is not too many opportunities can happen in your career like the size of Manchester United. When that arrives it is difficult to turn down that situation.”