Manchester United have announced the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager following the dismissal of Michael Carrick.
In a statement on Friday, the Premier League club confirmed that the former Tottenham and Chelsea boss would take charge at Old Trafford from November 18.
The 54-year-old Argentine is understood to have signed a two-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2028/29 season.
United also confirmed that an agreement had been reached with the United States Soccer Federation to release Pochettino and his coaching staff following the conclusion of their responsibilities with the US men’s national team.
“The club has reached an agreement with the US soccer federation for Mauricio and his staff to be released after the conclusion of their responsibilities with the US men’s national team,” United said.
Describing their new manager, the club praised his attacking philosophy, high-intensity football and ability to develop players.
“The Argentinian is renowned for his high-intensity, attacking style of football, his dedication to building strong, cohesive teams and his outstanding record of developing individual players.
“Pochettino has consistently performed at the highest level of football across multiple leagues.”
Pochettino, who guided the United States to the last 16 of the World Cup on home soil earlier this year, described his time with the national team as one of the most significant experiences of his managerial career.
In a statement released by US Soccer, he said the job had been “one of the greatest honours of my career”.
“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 added.
US Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson also praised Pochettino’s contribution, saying the Argentine had left a lasting impact on American football through his leadership, professionalism and commitment to the players and the development of the national team’s culture.
The federation is reportedly set to receive $10 million in compensation for Pochettino’s departure, with an additional $2 million expected for the release of his coaching staff.
Pochettino’s managerial record in England and Europe
Pochettino returns to English football with considerable Premier League experience, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea. He also enjoyed a spell in charge of French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
During his five seasons at Tottenham, Pochettino established himself as one of the Premier League’s leading managers, never finishing outside the top five.
However, despite transforming Spurs into consistent title challengers, he failed to win a major trophy with the north London club. He was dismissed in November 2019, just months after leading the team to the Champions League final, where they lost to Liverpool.
The Argentine eventually secured the first major trophies of his managerial career at PSG, winning the French Cup in 2021 and the Ligue 1 title in 2022. However, he left the Paris club before completing his contract.
Pochettino returned to the Premier League with Chelsea in 2023 but spent just one season at Stamford Bridge. During his brief spell, he guided the Blues to the FA Cup semi-finals and the League Cup final.
Manchester United face uphill battle under Pochettino
Pochettino inherits a Manchester United side struggling badly in the Premier League, with the 20-time English champions sitting in the relegation zone after winning just one of their opening 10 league matches.
The club have endured their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign, leaving the new manager with the daunting task of restoring confidence, improving results and rebuilding unity within the squad.
United’s next fixture is a difficult trip to fierce rivals Liverpool on November 22, although Pochettino is not scheduled to take charge until November 18.
The Argentine also faces the challenge of addressing divisions within the club, both on and off the pitch.
United captain Bruno Fernandes was dropped last month after reportedly criticising Carrick’s tactics following a disappointing 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como.
Defender Lisandro Martinez has also publicly criticised the club’s hierarchy over what he considered insufficient investment in the squad during the summer transfer window.
One of Pochettino’s early challenges could involve resolving uncertainty surrounding Fernandes’ future. The Portugal international is understood to have rejected a second contract offer from the club.
However, United reportedly retain an option to extend his existing contract until the end of the 2027/28 season, meaning he would not be free to negotiate with other clubs in January.
Growing frustration among Manchester United supporters
Pochettino’s appointment comes at a difficult time for Manchester United, with supporters increasingly frustrated by the club’s performances, ownership and long-term direction.
Angry fans have continued to direct their criticism at the club’s ownership following Carrick’s dismissal.
Despite years of protests, the American Glazer family retain a majority stake in United after Malcolm Glazer acquired the club through a leveraged takeover in 2005, leaving it burdened with substantial debt.
Hopes that the arrival of British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe as a minority shareholder in 2024 would usher in a new era of success have also faded amid the club’s continued struggles.
Pochettino now faces the enormous responsibility of restoring Manchester United’s competitiveness, reuniting a fractured dressing room and winning back the confidence of supporters.
