Manchester United have confirmed that Mauricio Pochettino will join as their new head coach on November 18. The 54-year-old replaces Michael Carrick and will take charge of his first game against Liverpool on Sunday, November 22, after the terms of his release were agreed with US Soccer.
Release clause triggered
Pochettino only penned a new deal to stay on as head coach of the USA men's national team after the World Cup in the summer, but that extension included a $10million (£7.4million) release clause, which made him attractive to United.
As part of a review into Carrick's position, United's decision-makers alighted on Pochettino as their top target to replace him, with the Argentine desperate to finally take charge at Old Trafford.
Club statement
A club statement said: "Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the Manchester United men’s head coach from 18 November.
"The club has reached an agreement with the U.S. Soccer Federation for Mauricio and his staff to be released after the conclusion of their responsibilities with the U.S. Men’s National Team.
"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.
"Pochettino has consistently performed at the highest level of football across multiple leagues. He began his coaching career with Espanyol in 2009 before joining Southampton and achieving a club-record Premier League points tally in 2014.
"During five full seasons at Tottenham Hotspur, Pochettino established the club as regular UEFA Champions League contenders, securing qualification in four consecutive seasons and leading the club to its first final in the competition in 2019.
"In 2021, he joined Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions before joining Chelsea in 2023.
"Most recently he led the U.S. Men’s National Team to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup."
Previous interest
Pochettino has been in the frame for the United job on several previous occasions, most notably in 2019 when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer landed the role after an impressive stint as caretaker, and then in 2022 when Erik ten Hag edged out Pochettino in a two-horse race.
