Pochettino Man Utd start date: when the new boss takes charge

Mauricio Pochettino will take charge of Manchester United’s first-team training next week, with just three days to prepare for his first game, against Liverpool at Anfield.

United have agreed a deal for the USA head coach and his staff to replace Michael Carrick, who was sacked on Thursday morning. The appointment has not yet been officially confirmed.

Pochettino will first take charge of the USA’s two matches against Haiti, before travelling to Manchester.

When does Pochettino start at Man Utd?

Pochettino is expected to start work at Carrington next Wednesday or Thursday, 18 or 19 November.

The Manchester Evening News reports he will leave the USA after the second leg against Haiti in Cincinnati, which finishes at around 2am UK time on Wednesday. He is then expected to fly to Manchester and begin training with his new squad on Thursday.

ESPN reports United expect him at Carrington by 18 November at the latest. Either way, it leaves him only a few sessions before the trip to Anfield.

Pochettino’s first Man Utd game

Pochettino’s first game in charge will be Liverpool away on Sunday 22 November.

It is one of the hardest possible starts. United were bottom half when Carrick was sacked, and they head to Anfield needing a quick response under their new manager. You can read more on why Carrick was sacked here.

Why Pochettino is staying with the USA first

United wanted Pochettino in place as soon as possible, but the club are relaxed about him finishing his USA commitments. Talks between United and US Soccer have settled on him taking both CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final legs against Haiti.

The first leg is at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, on Saturday, kicking off at 9.30pm UK time. The second leg follows in Cincinnati on Tuesday night US time.

How the deal works

Pochettino signed a four-year extension with US Soccer in August, after leading the USA to the World Cup last 16 on home soil. That contract includes a $10m (about £7.5m) release clause, which United have told the federation they will trigger.

He is expected to bring several members of his long-standing backroom team with him. United will need to make an extra payment to cover their release. Our earlier piece explains the Pochettino release clause in full.

ESPN reports that Pochettino’s representatives first told United about the clause.

What it means for the USMNT

The USA will need a new head coach once the Haiti games are over. Pep Guardiola has emerged as the federation’s top target to replace Pochettino.

Pochettino Man Utd start date FAQ

When does Pochettino start at Man Utd?
He is expected to begin work at Carrington on 18 or 19 November, after the USA’s games against Haiti.

What is Pochettino’s first game as Man Utd manager?
Liverpool away at Anfield on Sunday 22 November.

Has Pochettino’s appointment been confirmed?
Not yet. A deal has been agreed, but the club has not made an official announcement.

How much is Pochettino’s release clause?
$10m, about £7.5m, with an extra payment for his staff.