Manchester United appoint Mauricio Pochettino as new head coach

Manchester United have appointed Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager, with the Argentine set to begin work next Wednesday after completing his current international commitments with the United States.

The club said on Friday that it had reached an agreement with US Soccer allowing Pochettino and his coaching staff to leave the national team after their two CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti.

Pochettino will therefore remain in charge of the United States for the duration of the current international break before travelling to Manchester to take up his new role.

The first leg against Haiti will be played on Saturday, with the return fixture scheduled for Tuesday. Pochettino is then expected to oversee Manchester United for the Premier League match against Liverpool on 22 November 2026.

Manchester United have not disclosed the details of Pochettino’s contract. Reports in the British media had previously suggested the 54-year-old would sign a two-and-a-half-year agreement.

The club has also agreed to pay a £7.4m financial clause to release Pochettino from his contract with the United States.

Pochettino’s fourth spell in England

Pochettino is known for an attacking approach built around intense pressing and high-energy performances. He has also developed a reputation for building cohesive teams and improving individual players.

The former Argentina international began his managerial career with Espanyol in 2009 before moving to Southampton. In 2014, he led the club to what was then its highest points total in Premier League history.

His most prominent English appointment came at Tottenham Hotspur, where he spent five full seasons. During that period, he established the club as regular contenders for Champions League qualification, guiding them into the competition in four consecutive seasons.

Pochettino also took Tottenham to the Champions League final in 2019, the first time the club had reached that stage.

He became Paris Saint-Germain manager in 2021 and won Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Trophee des Champions. He moved to Chelsea in 2023 before taking charge of the United States.

Pochettino guided the national team to the last 16 of the World Cup before agreeing to become Manchester United manager.

Carrick leaves after difficult start

Pochettino replaces Michael Carrick, whose departure followed Manchester United’s poor start to the season and their position in the relegation zone.

The club had won only one of its opening 10 Premier League matches, losing four, and occupied one of the bottom three places.

Manchester United nevertheless paid tribute to Carrick, describing him as a club legend both for his playing career and his recent time in the dugout.

“Michael Carrick is a Manchester United legend, and he always will be,” the club said in a statement on Thursday. “As he did as a player, he showed the highest levels of dedication and professionalism throughout his return to the club.”

It added: “His leadership and achievements during last season will always be appreciated and cherished.”