Mauricio Pochettino has been formally announced as the next head coach of Manchester United, with the club confirming the outgoing United States men's national team boss will be in position to oversee their trip to Liverpool next Sunday.
Pochettino to succeed Carrick
Pochettino, 54, was swiftly identified as the preferred candidate to succeed United legend Michael Carrick, who was sacked on Thursday. Carrick was axed after overseeing just one win from United's 10 Premier League games so far this season, a run which has seen them drop into the relegation zone.
The former Chelsea and Tottenham manager will oversee the USMNT's two fixtures against Haiti, the first of which is on Saturday, before officially starting his new role after signing a two-and-a-half year contract.
Club statement confirms appointment
A statement confirming the news read: "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."
United have courted Pochettino previously and were close to making a move for the Argentine during his time at Tottenham before pivoting to Jose Mourinho. Pochettino was also considered for the Old Trafford vacancy in 2022 following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure; United instead chose to pursue a move for the then Ajax manager, Erik ten Hag.
Carrick's departure
Pochettino inherits a team low on confidence following a disastrous start to the 2026-27 campaign. Memories of Carrick engineering a third-placed finish after replacing Ruben Amorim in an interim capacity have evaporated, though there has been widespread sympathy for Carrick over the manner of his departure, with United's work to line up Pochettino as his successor largely played out in public before official confirmation of his own fate.
A Manchester United statement confirming Carrick had been relieved of his duties read: "Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach. Michael rejoined the club in January and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season, accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period. After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions. Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered."
Pochettino's first match in charge will be the away fixture against Liverpool, with further updates expected as the story develops.
