Pochettino Man Utd appointment confirmed as Argentine replaces Carrick

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach, a day after Michael Carrick was sacked.

The Argentine has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal that runs to the summer of 2029 and will start work on Wednesday 18 November.

It is the move everyone saw coming from the moment Carrick went. United are 18th in the Premier League after their worst start to a season since 1986. They clearly felt they could not afford a long search.

Pochettino Man Utd appointment: what the club said

United’s official statement said Pochettino had agreed to become men’s head coach from 18 November, and that a deal was in place with US Soccer for him and his staff to leave once their international duties were done.

It also praised his high-intensity, attacking football and his record of developing individual players.

ESPN reports that Pochettino was the only candidate United spoke to directly. The club’s leadership team unanimously recommended him, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family signed off on it.

Chief executive Omar Berrada told US Soccer on Wednesday that United would pay the $10m (about £7.5m) release clause in his contract, as we reported when United first made contact with US Soccer.

USA first, then Anfield

Pochettino will not be at Carrington straight away. He still has two CONCACAF Nations League games against Haiti to take charge of, on Saturday and next Tuesday.

Then it is a flight to Manchester and a Wednesday start, around the time most of United’s internationals return.

That gives him a few days before the toughest first game he could have been handed: Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday 22 November. Our Liverpool vs Man Utd match page has the build-up, and our guide to Pochettino’s Man Utd start date sets out the full timeline.

He signed off from the USA job with a short statement. “The opportunity to represent the USA crest was one of the greatest honours of my career,” he said.

US Soccer chief executive JT Batson said Pochettino had left “a lasting mark” on the federation.

Third time lucky at Old Trafford

United have flirted with Pochettino for years. He was heavily linked when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in 2021, but stayed at Paris Saint-Germain.

Then, in May 2024, shortly after he left Chelsea, Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox interviewed him. United kept Erik ten Hag instead, and Pochettino took the USA job that September.

This time it has happened. According to RTÉ, he becomes United’s eighth permanent boss since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. That tells you how hard this job has been since 2013.

His long-serving staff are expected to come with him. That means assistants Jesus Perez and Miguel D’Agostino, who played alongside him at Newell’s Old Boys, and goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez.

A full in-tray waiting

Carrick lasted 15 games of the two-year deal he signed in May. United have one league win all season, and you can read how Carrick’s sacking unfolded here.

The issues go beyond results. Captain Bruno Fernandes has turned down a second contract offer. His deal runs to the end of the season, although United have the option of another year and talks are continuing.

Whatever people think of the owners, United have at least hired someone who knows the Premier League. Pochettino has managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea, took Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final and won Ligue 1 with PSG.

He is expected to face the media as United head coach for the first time towards the end of next week. For more from the top flight, head to our Premier League hub.

Pochettino Man Utd FAQ

When does Pochettino start at Man Utd?
Wednesday 18 November, after the USA’s two games against Haiti.

How long is Pochettino’s Man Utd contract?
Two and a half years, until the summer of 2029.

What is Pochettino’s first game in charge?
Liverpool away at Anfield on Sunday 22 November.

How much did United pay to release him from US Soccer?
A $10m (about £7.5m) release clause.

Who did Pochettino replace?
Michael Carrick, who was sacked on Thursday after 15 games.