On Friday, Mauricio Pochettino was confirmed as Manchester United’s new head coach, signing a two‑and‑a‑half‑year deal after the club paid a release clause of about £7.4 million to free him from his USA contract. The Argentine, 54, had signed a four‑year deal with the U.S. Soccer Federation in the summer but will depart following matches against Haiti on 14 and 18 November.
During his first press conference after the announcement, Pochettino broke down in tears, thanking the federation for its support. "It’s difficult to talk now," he said. "I’m a very emotional guy. It’s a very sad decision. But we are professionals and we are trying to make our dreams come true."
Asked why he accepted the United offer after recently renewing his national‑team contract, the former Tottenham and Southampton coach said the chance to manage at Old Trafford was too good to reject. "When it arrives, it’s difficult to turn down," he added.
Pochettino will take over a United side that has won only once in ten league games this season and sits just one point above bottom‑placed Sunderland. His first match in charge will be an away fixture against Liverpool on 22 November.
The appointment follows the sacking of Michael Carrick on Thursday after United’s worst start to a domestic campaign in 40 years, leaving the club in 18th place. Carrick had thanked fans in a social‑media post, describing his time at the club as a privilege.
United’s board had only spoken to Pochettino about the role, with other names such as Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte mentioned only in passing. The club’s decision comes amid criticism over its management and a recent ownership dispute involving the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
As Pochettino prepares to step into the historic stadium, fans and pundits alike will watch closely to see if his experience in top‑flight English football can revive the Red Devils’ fortunes.
