Argentine tactician Mauricio Pochettino has been appointed as the new manager of Manchester United, signing a 2.5-year contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until the end of the 2028-2029 season. Pochettino leaves his role as United States Men's National Team coach to take over at Manchester United. The English club agreed to pay $10 million to release him from his contract, which was set to run until the 2030 World Cup.
Despite agreeing to join Manchester United, Pochettino will first complete his commitments with the USMNT. He will manage the team in two Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal matches against Haiti before moving to England. Manchester United's first match after the international break is against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22, 2026. Pochettino's long-time assistant, Jesus Perez, is expected to follow him to Manchester United.
Manchester United had been in talks with Pochettino for several days, with initial discussions taking place with the US Soccer Federation earlier in the week. The club had already informed Michael Carrick that he would not continue as manager, paving the way for Pochettino's appointment. Carrick's departure was confirmed to him on Kane, allowing Manchester United to accelerate their pursuit of Pochettino.
Pochettino, 54, is not new to English football, having managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea. He began his managerial career in 2009 at Espanyol in Spain before moving to Southampton and then Tottenham. He also managed Paris Saint-Germain in France and Chelsea before taking over as USMNT coach in November 2024.
During his time with the USMNT, Pochettino led the team to the round of 16 at this year's World Cup, which was held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He managed the team in 35 matches, winning 21, losing 12, and drawing 2. Pochettino's experience and success make him a significant appointment for Manchester United.
Pochettino's appointment as Manchester United manager comes after a period of uncertainty for the club. The team has been seeking a new manager since Carrick's departure, and Pochettino's arrival is expected to bring a new level of stability and success. The Argentine manager will be tasked with improving the team's performance and competing for major honors.
Pochettino's first challenge as Manchester United manager will be to navigate the team's busy schedule, including a match against Liverpool at Anfield. He will also need to integrate new players and build a strong team dynamic to achieve success in the Premier League and European competitions. With his experience and expertise, Pochettino is well-equipped to meet these challenges and lead Manchester United to success.
Key points
- Pochettino signs a 2.5-year contract with Manchester United.
- He leaves his role as USMNT coach to join the English club.
- Pochettino previously managed several top-tier clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
