Manchester United have appointed Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach, replacing Michael Carrick, who was dismissed following the club’s poor start to the 2026/27 Premier League season.
The Premier League club confirmed the appointment on Friday, announcing that an agreement had been reached with the United States Soccer Federation to release Pochettino and his coaching staff from their international duties.
According to Manchester United, Pochettino will complete his responsibilities with the United States men’s national team before taking charge at Old Trafford.
The agreement allows him to oversee the team’s remaining matches against Haiti before beginning his new role at United.
Pochettino’s Premier League Experience
The 54-year-old returns to English football after previously managing Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
He also managed Spanish side Espanyol and French giants Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Ligue 1 title in 2022.
Pochettino is particularly remembered for guiding Tottenham to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final, although they lost 2-0 to Liverpool.
His appointment follows a difficult period for United, who have struggled to maintain consistency in the Premier League this season.
Why Manchester United parted ways with Carrick
Carrick was relieved of his duties on Thursday, November 12, after overseeing a disappointing run of results.
United’s decision followed a difficult start to the campaign, with the club sitting in the relegation zone after collecting eight points from their opening 10 league matches, according to reports.
Carrick had initially impressed after taking charge in January 2026, guiding United to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification last season.
However, his team’s poor performances in the new campaign led the club’s leadership to seek a managerial change. Sky Sports +2
Liverpool clash awaits new United boss
Pochettino’s first major assignment will be a Premier League encounter against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
The Argentine’s immediate challenge will be to improve United’s performances and help the club move away from the relegation zone.
His arrival also marks another managerial change at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013.
United will be hoping Pochettino’s experience in English football and European competitions can help restore stability to the club.
