Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become Manchester United's new head coach, with the Argentine set to take charge at Old Trafford following Michael Carrick's departure.
United have confirmed that Pochettino has agreed to leave his position as head coach of the United States men's national team to take the helm at the Premier League club.
The 54-year-old returns to English football after previous spells in charge of Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. His first match as United boss is expected to be a huge Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, 22 November.
Pochettino agrees two-and-a-half-year Manchester United deal
Pochettino has reportedly agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract, which will keep him at Old Trafford until the summer of 2029.
According to the Daily Mail, United have paid a £7million release clause to secure his departure from the United States, where he has been in charge since 2024. The overall cost is expected to exceed £10million when his coaching staff are included, with trusted assistants Jesus Perez and Miguel D'Agostino set to join him.
Before making the move to Manchester, Pochettino will remain in charge of the USA for their upcoming fixtures against Haiti on November 14 and 17. He is then expected to travel to England to begin work with his new squad next week.
Speaking about his departure from the national team, Pochettino said: “The opportunity to represent the USA crest was one of the greatest honors of my career. We are so grateful to the players for their commitment, to the fans for their belief, and to the Federation for always supporting our staff and creating the opportunities to impact the culture of soccer in this great country.”
Pochettino faces major rebuilding job at Old Trafford
The former Tottenham manager inherits a difficult situation, with United currently languishing in the Premier League relegation zone following a disappointing start to the campaign.
Carrick was dismissed on Thursday after a run of poor results, with United having won just three matches this season. The club's decision brings an end to his spell in charge despite the achievements of the previous campaign.
Pochettino becomes the latest manager tasked with bringing sustained success back to Old Trafford and will be the club's 13th manager since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013.
His experience in the Premier League will be a significant part of United's thinking. During his time at Tottenham, Pochettino guided the club to second place in the league and the 2019 Champions League final, while his high-pressing approach helped establish Spurs as regular contenders.
He also managed Southampton and Chelsea, giving him extensive knowledge of English football and the demands of the Premier League.
However, the challenge at United will be considerable. The club are desperate to turn their season around, and Pochettino will need to build confidence, improve performances and get his new players responding to his ideas.
Liverpool provide immediate test for new Manchester United boss
Pochettino's first assignment is set to be one of the biggest fixtures in English football, with Manchester United travelling to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday, 22 November.
The Argentine will have limited time to work with his squad before the contest, making the opening days of his tenure particularly important.
United then face a Champions League trip to Sporting Lisbon, followed by a first home fixture under Pochettino against Brentford and an away meeting with Newcastle.
There is plenty of work ahead, but United will hope the appointment of an experienced Premier League manager can provide the fresh direction needed to move the club away from the relegation zone.
