Manchester United have confirmed Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach, ending speculation over who would replace Michael Carrick. The Argentine is expected to begin work at Old Trafford on 18 November, after completing his remaining duties with the United States national team.
United and the U.S. Soccer Federation agreed to release Pochettino and his backroom staff once the Americans finish their two CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti. Goal.com reported that the announcement came on Friday, 13 November, and that Pochettino’s first match in charge is scheduled to be the Premier League visit to Liverpool on 22 November.
The timing gives the new coach only a short preparation window before a demanding first fixture. United have spent the opening weeks of the season near the bottom of the table and dismissed Carrick after a difficult start. The appointment is a rapid response intended to reset a campaign that began with expectations raised by last season’s third-place finish.
Pochettino, 54, brings extensive English football experience. He led Southampton to a club-record Premier League points total at the time, guided Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final and later managed Chelsea. At Paris Saint-Germain he won the French league and domestic cups. His teams are known for an energetic pressing style and for developing younger players, but he will inherit a squad under immediate pressure to improve results.
The club has not disclosed the financial terms of the agreement. Goal.com reports that United and the U.S. federation reached a release arrangement, allowing Pochettino to finish the national team’s Haiti fixtures before travelling to Manchester. He is expected to take charge of preparations for the Liverpool match once he arrives.
Sunday Express previously reported on Carrick’s dismissal while Pochettino was still a prospective replacement. This appointment confirms the change described in that earlier report.
Sources: Goal.com and Manchester United’s announcement. Image credit: Getty Images, via Goal.com.