Manchester United have officially appointed Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach, with the Argentine set to take over on November 18 after completing his commitments with the United States men’s national team.
The 54-year-old will succeed Michael Carrick, whose 10-month spell in charge ended with his dismissal on Friday following a disappointing start to the season.
United reached an agreement with the US Soccer Federation to release Pochettino and his coaching staff from their existing contracts.
The deal is understood to have cost the Premier League club more than £10million.
Pochettino prepares for Manchester United switch
Pochettino’s appointment comes as he prepares to lead the United States in a CONCACAF Nations League double-header against Haiti.
The fixtures are scheduled to take place in Miami on Saturday and Cincinnati on Wednesday, after which he will begin his new responsibilities at Old Trafford.
His first match in charge of United is expected to be the Premier League encounter against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
The club confirmed the appointment in a statement on Friday but did not include comments from Pochettino or its officials because the Argentine remains under contract with US Soccer until his international duties are completed.
Pochettino, however, released a statement through the US men’s national team, reflecting on his time with the American side.
‘The opportunity to represent the USA crest was one of the greatest honors of my career,’ he said.
‘We are so grateful to the players for their commitment, to the fans for their belief, and to the Federation for always supporting our staff and creating the opportunities to impact the culture of soccer in this great country.’
He is scheduled to address the media at a pre-match press conference at 2.15pm on Friday, although he is not expected to discuss his Manchester United appointment in detail until he arrives in England next week.
United explain decision to appoint Argentine
In its announcement, Manchester United confirmed that Pochettino had agreed to become the men’s head coach from November 18.
The club also acknowledged reaching an agreement with the US Soccer Federation to secure the release of the manager and his coaching staff following the conclusion of their responsibilities with the national team.
United highlighted Pochettino’s attacking football philosophy, high-intensity approach and ability to develop individual players as key qualities behind the appointment.
The club also pointed to his experience managing teams across several major European leagues and his reputation for building strong team environments.
United sources believe his experience, personality and coaching methods make him suitable for the challenge of rebuilding the team.
Pochettino’s managerial record
Pochettino began his managerial career at Espanyol in 2009 before moving to Southampton, where he guided the club to a record Premier League points tally in 2014.
He subsequently joined Tottenham Hotspur, spending five full seasons at the north London club.
During his time at Spurs, he established the team as regular Champions League contenders, securing qualification for the competition in four consecutive seasons.
His biggest achievement with Tottenham came in 2019 when he led the club to its first Champions League final.
Pochettino moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, winning the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France and Trophée des Champions during his spell in France.
He joined Chelsea in 2023 before taking charge of the United States men’s national team, which he most recently guided to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup.
Carrick dismissed after disappointing United campaign
Pochettino’s appointment follows the dismissal of Michael Carrick, who was relieved of his duties after 10 months as Manchester United manager.
Carrick arrived at the club’s training ground at 7.50am on Thursday and was informed of the decision.
He left the facility at 10.18am, bringing his brief return to the club to an end.
He became the first Premier League manager to lose his job this season.
United’s decision followed a difficult campaign in which the team managed just three victories, including one against Azerbaijani side FK Sabah.
The club had also struggled defensively, failing to record a clean sheet in the Premier League.
In its statement confirming Carrick’s departure, United said a change in leadership had become necessary after a disappointing start to the season.
The club also praised his dedication and professionalism, describing him as a Manchester United legend and acknowledging his previous achievements with the team.
Ratcliffe approved decision to sack Carrick
The decision to dismiss Carrick was reportedly ratified by Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe during a meeting in Monaco.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox had travelled back from Monaco earlier in the week after discussions involving Ratcliffe and co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer.
The club’s leadership reportedly believed the squad had considerably more quality than its performances and league position suggested.
Carrick had been given opportunities to improve results during matches against Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa, but the club ultimately concluded that the team’s direction was not aligned with its ambitions.
United’s leadership subsequently moved to secure Pochettino as his replacement.
Liverpool clash awaits new United boss
Pochettino will face an immediate test when he takes Manchester United to Anfield to face Liverpool on November 22.
The fixture will be followed by a Champions League meeting with Sporting Lisbon.
His first home match at Old Trafford will be against Brentford, before United travel to Newcastle for their next away fixture.
The Argentine will therefore have limited time to settle into his new position before facing a demanding run of matches as he begins his Manchester United tenure.
