Manchester United Appoints Mauricio Pochettino as Head Coach
- Mauricio Pochettino has been appointed as Manchester United's new head coach.
- Pochettino leaves his role as USMNT coach following a $10 million payment.
- Manchester United is currently 18th in the Premier League standings.
- His first match in charge will be against Liverpool on November 22.
Manchester United officially appointed 54-year-old Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach on Friday, 13 November 2026, to replace Michael Carrick. He is the eighth manager or head coach the club has appointed since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
The club is currently 18th in the Premier League standings and sits in the relegation zone. This record of only one win in 10 games marks the club's worst start in 40 years.
Manchester United described Pochettino as being "renowned for his high-intensity, attacking style of football, his dedication to building strong, cohesive teams and his outstanding record of developing individual players" in an official statement.
Pochettino departs USMNT role after signing new contract in August
Mauricio Pochettino is departing his role as the coach of the United States men's national team to join Manchester United. He had signed a four-year deal with the U.S. soccer federation in August 2026, but Manchester United pursued him after identifying a break clause in that contract.
Pochettino described his choice to leave the United States for Manchester United as a "difficult" decision. He was seen in tears while bidding farewell to the team.
Club pays $10 million to secure Pochettino from US soccer federation
Manchester United finalized the hiring of Mauricio Pochettino after a meeting in Monaco on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
The club made a formal approach to the U.S. soccer federation on that same day. The New York Post reported the transfer of Pochettino and his staff involves a payment of $10 million.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery was also considered, but he was not an option because he is under contract without a release clause.
Michael Carrick fired following face-to-face meeting
Michael Carrick was fired from his position as Manchester United manager on Thursday, November 12, 2026. Club officials informed him of the decision during a face-to-face meeting at the training ground.
Following the announcement of his departure, Carrick expressed his thanks to the fans.
USMNT blindsided by move as Guardiola linked to vacancy
Reports from November 11 indicated that the United States national team was blindsided by the news that Pochettino was nearing a move to Manchester United.
Following reports of the impending departure, Pep Guardiola was suggested as a potential candidate to replace Pochettino as the USMNT coach.
Pochettino to face Liverpool in first match on November 22
Mauricio Pochettino will manage his first game for Manchester United against Liverpool on November 22, 2026.
Despite the appointment of the new manager, the club is expected to continue facing major financial difficulties.
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