Manchester United Appoint Mauricio Pochettino as New Men's Head Coach
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Post By
Emmie
- November 13, 2026
Manchester United have officially appointed Mauricio Pochettino as their new men's head coach, signing the 54-year-old Argentine to a two-and-a-half-year contract following the dismissal of Michael Carrick.
The club confirmed on Friday that it reached an agreement with the U.S. Soccer Federation to release Pochettino and his coaching staff once they finish their current international duties. Pochettino, who reportedly had a £7m release clause in his U.S. contract, will oversee two Nations League fixtures against Haiti before officially taking the reins at Old Trafford on November 18th. His first match in charge will be a challenging away trip to face Liverpool at Anfield four days later.
In announcing the hire, Manchester United highlighted Pochettino's reputation for a "high-intensity, attacking style of football," alongside his "dedication to building strong, cohesive teams and his outstanding record of developing individual players."
U.S. Soccer CEO and secretary general JT Batson praised the departing manager's tenure with the national program:
"Mauricio has left a lasting mark on US Soccer through his leadership, professionalism and commitment to our players and culture. What we are most proud of goes beyond the wins. He and his staff raised standards...and strengthened our culture."
Pochettino, who brings extensive experience from previous spells at Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, steps into a club mired in the Premier League relegation zone. United sit 18th in the standings after managing just a single victory in their opening 10 league fixtures.
Following his departure on Thursday, former boss Michael Carrick shared a farewell message on Instagram, describing his time leading the club as an "immense privilege" that "comes with huge responsibility" and feels "different to anywhere else." While acknowledging the team had lacked "the results lately," Carrick added that "it's a football club that is unique, with substance and history that cannot be ignored. This is what inspired me every single day".
Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp suggested the low expectations at Old Trafford actually work in Pochettino's favor. Speaking to Sky Sports, Redknapp said:
"Someone said to me today, 'What a bad time to take the job,' I said, 'I could never think of a better time to take over the Man United job.' They are rock-bottom. There's only one way, it's up."
Meanwhile, former U.S. goalkeeper Brad Friedel expressed "mixed feelings" about the switch, praising Pochettino as "one of the best" while admitting his exit "leaves a huge gaping hole for us" within the American national setup.
