Pochettino’s Manchester United reign set to begin after international duty

Manchester United have appointed Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager, with the Argentine due to begin work on Wednesday after completing his commitments with the United States.

The club said on Friday that it had reached an agreement with the United States Soccer Federation to release Pochettino and his coaching staff once the team’s current international fixtures are concluded.

United have not disclosed the length of Pochettino’s contract, although British media reports previously indicated he was expected to sign a two-and-a-half-year deal. The club have also agreed to pay a £7.4m financial clause to release him from his United States contract.

The 54-year-old’s first match in charge of Manchester United will be against Liverpool in the Premier League on 22 November 2026, following the international break.

Despite United’s announcement, Pochettino will remain with the United States for their current Concacaf Nations League quarter-final tie against Haiti. The first leg takes place on Saturday, with the return fixture scheduled for Tuesday, before Pochettino travels to Manchester to begin his new role.

Pochettino’s fourth English club

Pochettino is known for an attacking approach built around high pressing and intense performances, as well as his ability to develop players and build cohesive teams.

He began his managerial career with Espanyol in 2009 before moving to Southampton, where he guided the club to its best points tally in Premier League history at that time in 2014.

His most notable spell in England came at Tottenham Hotspur, where he spent five full seasons. He established Tottenham as regular contenders for Champions League qualification, leading them into the competition in four successive seasons and taking them to the 2019 final, the first in the club’s history.

Pochettino managed Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Trophee des Champions. He then joined Chelsea in 2023.

His most recent club or international position was with the United States, whom he led to the last 16 of the World Cup before agreeing to take charge of Manchester United.

Carrick departure follows poor start

United’s decision to dismiss Michael Carrick came after a disastrous opening to the season, which left the club in the relegation zone.

They had won only one of their first 10 Premier League matches, losing four, and occupied one of the bottom three places.

The club nevertheless paid tribute to Carrick, describing him as a Manchester United legend both as a former player and during his latest coaching spell.

“Michael Carrick is a Manchester United legend, and he always will be,” the club said in a statement on Thursday. “As he did as a player, he showed the highest levels of dedication and professionalism throughout his return to the club.”

It added: “His leadership and achievements during last season will always be appreciated and remembered with pride.”