Newsletters
Manchester United has appointed Mauricio Pochettino as its new manager following the dismissal of Michael Carrick, with the former Tottenham and Chelsea coach set to take charge on Nov. 18 as the club struggles through its worst start to a Premier League season.
The 54-year-old Argentine will leave his position as head coach of the United States men's national team after completing two matches against Haiti. He is understood to have agreed to a two-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until the end of the 2028/29 season.
United confirmed that an agreement had been reached with the U.S. Soccer Federation to release Pochettino and his coaching staff. The federation is reportedly set to receive $10 million in compensation for the manager, alongside another $2 million for his staff.
Pochettino guided the United States into the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, which the country co-hosted, before agreeing to return to English club football.
In a farewell statement issued by U.S. Soccer, he described leading the national team as "one of the greatest honors of my career" and thanked the players, supporters and federation for their commitment.
U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson also praised Pochettino's leadership and professionalism, saying the Argentine had made a lasting contribution to the country's football culture.
Pochettino brings extensive Premier League experience, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, alongside a spell at French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
During five seasons at Tottenham, he consistently finished among the Premier League's top five and led the club to the 2019 Champions League final, where it lost to Liverpool. However, his failure to secure a trophy preceded his dismissal later that year.
He subsequently won the French Cup in 2021 and Ligue 1 in 2022 with PSG before returning to England with Chelsea in 2023, where he spent one season and reached the League Cup final.
Pochettino takes over a Manchester United side sitting in the Premier League relegation zone, the bottom three positions that put clubs at risk of dropping into England's second division.
The 20-time English champions have won just one of their opening 10 league matches, leaving the new manager with little room for error ahead of his first scheduled fixture, away against Liverpool on Nov. 22.
His arrival also comes amid tensions involving senior players and the club's management.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was dropped last month after publicly criticizing Carrick's tactics following a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Italian side Como. Defender Lisandro Martinez separately questioned the club's leadership over its failure to strengthen the squad during the summer transfer window.
Fernandes' future could become an early priority for Pochettino, with the Portugal international reportedly turning down a second contract offer. However, United retain an option to extend his agreement through the 2027/28 season.
Beyond the team's performances, Pochettino will take over amid continuing dissatisfaction with United's ownership.
Supporters voiced their anger following Carrick's dismissal, adding to longstanding protests against the U.S.-based Glazer family, which has maintained majority ownership since its debt-financed takeover in 2005.
British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe's arrival as a minority shareholder in 2024 had initially raised expectations of change, but frustration among supporters has continued as United's results have deteriorated.
Pochettino now faces the challenge of turning around the club's league form while dealing with uncertainty surrounding key players and tensions behind the scenes.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
