Mauricio Pochettino will officially start as Manchester United manager on November 18, with his first game coming away at Liverpool on November 22.
Manchester United confirmed the appointment of Pochettino as their next manager, but the Argentine must first fulfil his final responsibilities with the United States national team. The club said in an official statement that they had “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.”
USMNT Commitments Delay Start
The United States will face Haiti home and away in the Concacaf Nations League quarter-finals on November 14 and November 17. U.S. Soccer’s own statement confirmed that Pochettino will remain responsible for all USMNT activities through the conclusion of the current camp.
Because of the time difference between the United States and the United Kingdom, the final match against Haiti in Cincinnati kicks off at midnight on November 18 UK time. Direct commercial flights between Cincinnati and the United Kingdom take seven hours and 40 minutes, flying into London Heathrow.
Limited Preparation Time
United could organise a private flight for their incoming manager, but it still compromises his official first date in charge at Old Trafford. Seemingly unable to take charge of training for the first time until November 19, Pochettino will have just three days with his squad before they travel to Liverpool.
A trip to Anfield is daunting at the best of times, especially for Manchester United, who currently find themselves in the Premier League relegation zone having won just one of their 10 matches in the English top-flight so far this season.
Historical Challenge at Anfield
Statistician Michael Reid pointed out on social media that of the 13 managers who have had their first Premier League game of a managerial stint away against Liverpool at Anfield, 12 have suffered defeat. Roberto De Zerbi was the only exception after leading Brighton & Hove Albion to a 3-3 draw.
Evidently, even before he has begun, Pochettino’s new job is not getting any easier.
