Manchester United Appoint Mauricio Pochettino as New Manager

Manchester United have announced the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager following the dismissal of Michael Carrick.

The club confirmed on Friday that the United States national team coach would take charge from November 18, after completing his responsibilities with the American side.

The 54-year-old Argentine is understood to have signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford, which will keep him at the club until the end of the 2028/29 season.

United said they had reached an agreement with the US Soccer Federation for Pochettino and his coaching staff to leave after their national team duties.

“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,” the club said.

Pochettino bids farewell to US national team

Pochettino, who led the United States to the last 16 of the World Cup on home soil earlier this year, described his time with the national team as one of the greatest honours of his career.

In a statement released by US Soccer, he thanked the players, supporters and federation for their commitment and support.

US Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson also praised the coach, saying he had left a lasting mark on American football through his leadership, professionalism and commitment to the players and the country's football culture.

The federation is reportedly set to receive $10m in compensation for Pochettino's departure, with an additional $2m for the release of his coaching staff.

A record of coaching in Europe

Pochettino has previously managed Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in England, as well as Paris Saint-Germain in France.

During his five seasons at Tottenham, he never finished lower than fifth in the Premier League. However, he failed to win a major trophy and was dismissed in November 2019, months after the club lost to Liverpool in the Champions League final.

He later won the French Cup in 2021 and Ligue 1 title in 2022 with Paris Saint-Germain, although he did not complete his contract with the club.

His return to English football came in 2023 when he took charge of Chelsea. He spent just one season at Stamford Bridge, leading the club to the FA Cup semi-finals and the League Cup final, which they lost.

Manchester United face relegation battle

Pochettino arrives at Old Trafford with the task of reviving a club enduring its worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign.

United are in the relegation zone after recording just one victory in their opening 10 league matches. Their next fixture is against fierce rivals Liverpool on November 22.

The new manager will also inherit a dressing room and club environment affected by disagreements involving senior players and the hierarchy.

Captain Bruno Fernandes was dropped last month after criticising Carrick's tactics following a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como.

Defender Lisandro Martinez also publicly criticised the club's hierarchy over what he considered insufficient investment in the squad during the summer transfer window.

Another issue Pochettino may have to address is Fernandes' future, with the Portugal international reportedly having rejected a second contract offer. United, however, have an option to extend his current deal until the end of the 2027/28 season.

Pressure on United ownership

Carrick's dismissal also sparked renewed frustration among supporters, with angry fans directing their criticism at the club's ownership.

The US-based Glazer family retain a majority stake in Manchester United, which Malcolm Glazer acquired through a leveraged takeover in 2005, leaving the club with substantial debts.

Hopes that the arrival of British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe as a minority owner in 2024 would usher in a new era have since faded, amid continuing protests and concerns over the club's direction.

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