Manchester United have confirmed Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach, ending days of speculation after the sacking of Michael Carrick.
The Premier League club announced on Friday, 13 November, that the Argentine has agreed to become head coach from 18 November on a two-and-a-half-year contract running until the summer of 2029. His first match in charge will be away to fierce rivals Liverpool on Sunday, 22 November.
01. Leaving the United States job
Pochettino, 54, leaves his role as head coach of the United States men’s national team, a job he took in 2024 and in which he led the Americans to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
United said they had reached an agreement with the US Soccer Federation for Pochettino and his coaching staff to be released after their responsibilities with the national team. He will lead the US in two CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final legs against Haiti, on Saturday and Tuesday, before heading to Manchester.
Speaking to US media on Friday, a tearful Pochettino thanked US Soccer chief executive JT Batson, calling the decision to leave one of the most difficult of his career.
02. A club in the relegation zone
Pochettino takes over a United side sitting 18th in the Premier League after 10 games, with just one win, five draws and four defeats. Carrick was sacked on Thursday after overseeing the club’s worst start to a season in 40 years.
The former Tottenham and Chelsea boss becomes United’s eighth permanent manager since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. He was the only coach the club spoke to directly about the job, according to reports.
United’s announcement included no quotes from a club representative, out of respect for the fact that Pochettino remains a US Soccer employee until his national team duties end.
