Mauricio Pochettino has been confirmed as Manchester United’s new head coach, a day after they sacked Michael Carrick.
Pochettino has agreed a two-and-a-half year contract at Old Trafford and will join the club on November 18 after completing his commitments with the USA during this international break.
The Argentine is currently the US head coach and will remain in his role ahead of the country’s upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final ties against Haiti on Saturday and Tuesday.
When Pochettino does arrive in Manchester he will have just days to prepare for a mammoth Premier League encounter against bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
United have paid the £7million release clause in Pochettino’s US contract to obtain him and he joins with the Red Devils languishing in the relegation zone in 18th with one win from their opening 10 matches.
Speaking at the USA’s press conference on Friday following the news, Pochettino said: ‘It’s a really tough decision, but at the same time I’m excited for that step.
‘The staff and the players, I want to say thank you so much for the last two years. You made me feel really happy sharing an amazing project. It’s difficult now for me to finish.
‘We were very excited to share a project which we really believe in and are evolving together, it makes the decision harder. It’s a sad decision but we are professionals, and we need to try to find the next step to make your dreams come true.’
Manchester United statement
The Red Devils announced the news at midday on Friday, with the following statement: ‘Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the Manchester United men’s head coach from November 18.
‘The club has reached an agreement with the U.S. Soccer Federation for Mauricio and his staff to be released after the conclusion of their responsibilities with the US Men’s National Team.
‘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. He began his coaching career with Espanyol in 2009 before joining Southampton and achieving a club-record Premier League points tally in 2014.
‘During five full seasons at Tottenham Hotspur, Pochettino established the club as regular UEFA Champions League contenders, securing qualification in four consecutive seasons and leading the club to its first final in the competition in 2019.
‘In 2021, he joined Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions before joining Chelsea in 2023.
‘Most recently he led the US Men’s National Team to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup.’
