Manchester United have appointed Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach, with the Argentine signing a contract that runs until the summer of 2029. The club moved quickly to secure Pochettino following the sacking of Michael Carrick, which was announced on Thursday.
Pochettino will begin work at Carrington on November 18 after managing two final games for the United States national team. United are paying $10 million (£7.4m) in compensation to release him from that role.
Why United chose Pochettino
United were attracted to Pochettino because they believe his personality, management experience and philosophy make him a good fit for the club. Club sources have praised his 'outstanding record' of developing individual talent and his track record of building strong team cultures, which they believe make him the ideal person to lead the team forward.
There have been reports that the Glazers were responsible for Pochettino's appointment, overruling Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his board, but United claim it was a unanimous decision recommended by the club's leadership and approved by the ownership.
Other candidates considered
Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann were considered as replacements for Carrick, but Pochettino was the only coach the club directly spoke to.
There were no quotes from Pochettino to accompany the club's statement on Friday. No quotes were attached because United are mindful he is still employed by the USA, with Pochettino scheduled to speak for the first time as United's new head coach when he arrives in Manchester.
First press conference and backroom staff
Pochettino will sit down with the club's internal media and speak at his first press conference at Carrington two days before facing Liverpool on November 22.
He is set to be joined by assistant coach Jesus Perez, assistant coach Miguel D’Agostino, goalkeeper coach Antonio Jimenez and his son, sports scientist Sebastiano Pochettino, but United will confirm his backroom staff in due course. United will have to pay additional compensation to release his four coaching staff members.
