Manchester United have appointed Mauricio Pochettino as men's head coach, confirming on Friday 13 November that the former Tottenham and Chelsea manager will start work at Old Trafford on 18 November. He replaces Michael Carrick, who was sacked on Thursday with the team 18th in the Premier League.
What did Manchester United announce?
The club said Pochettino "has agreed to become the Manchester United men's head coach from 18 November" after it "reached an agreement with the U.S. Soccer Federation for Mauricio and his staff to be released" once their national-team duties end.
United described the 54-year-old Argentinian as "renowned for his high-intensity, attacking style of football" and for developing individual players. BBC Sport and AP both report that he has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, which BBC Sport says runs until June 2029.
The appointment follows Crystal Palace's sacking of Pierre Sage on Thursday, the other Premier League coaching change of the week in our managers coverage.
How does he leave the USA job?
U.S. Soccer confirmed he will leave after the current camp, taking charge of both Concacaf Nations League quarter-final legs against Haiti on 14 and 17 November.
The federation said he won 21, drew two and lost 12 of his 35 matches after his appointment in September 2024. The USA reached the 2025 Gold Cup final, topped their group at the 2026 World Cup and won a knockout match for the first time since 2002 before going out in the round of 16. His three wins at that tournament are the most by any USMNT head coach at a World Cup.
"The opportunity to represent the USA crest was one of the greatest honors of my career," Pochettino said. ESPN and the Manchester Evening News report that United will pay a release clause of around $10 million.
What does Pochettino inherit at Old Trafford?
United have won one of their 10 league games and sit 18th on eight points. Their statement recalled his club-record Premier League points total at Southampton in 2014, four straight Champions League qualifications with Tottenham and the 2019 final, and Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophée des Champions wins with Paris Saint-Germain.
His first match is away to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday 22 November, kick-off 16:30 UK.
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