Pochettino takes over Manchester United after U.S. departure

Fayetteville, Ga. Mauricio Pochettino agreed Friday to become the new head coach of Manchester United. The 54-year-old Argentine will leave his position with the U.S. national team to lead the English club, which currently sits in the Premier League relegation zone.

United announced that Pochettino signed a contract for two and a half years. He officially takes charge on Nov. 18. That date falls four days before the team plays Liverpool. This appointment makes Pochettino the eighth permanent coach or manager at the club since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

The U.S. Soccer Federation confirmed that Pochettino will depart for Old Trafford next week. He joined the U.S. program in the fall of 2024. His contract originally ran through the 2030 World Cup. The federation noted that he led the team to the round of 16 at this year's World Cup.

Pochettino and his assistants will remain with the U.S. team for two upcoming matches. They play Haiti in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals on Saturday and Tuesday. After those games, Pochettino will head to Manchester to begin his tenure with the Red Devils.

United cited Pochettino's high-intensity, attacking style as a key reason for the hire. The club stated that he has a record of developing individual players and building cohesive teams. United described his career as consistently performing at the highest level across multiple leagues.

The move comes one day after United fired Michael Carrick. Carrick oversaw the club's worst league start in 40 years. The team sits 18th in the Premier League after 10 games. United has not won the English league since Ferguson's final season in 2013.

The U.S. Soccer Federation is now seeking a replacement for Pochettino. CEO JT Batson and chief operating officer Dan Helfrich will lead the search. They will be assisted by women's national team coach Emma Hayes and former defender Oguchi Onyewu. The federation is likely to sound out Pep Guardiola's interest. They may also consider elevating Under-23 coach Steve Cherundolo.

Cherundolo, a former national team defender, will lead a senior national team training camp next month. The players in that camp will mostly come from Major League Soccer. Batson praised Pochettino in a statement, noting that he raised standards and strengthened the culture. He said the coach created clearer connections between the youth and senior national teams.

Pochettino has coached in the Premier League at Southampton, Tottenham, and Chelsea. He also managed Espanyol in Spain and won the French league title with Paris Saint-Germain in 2022. His most notable achievement in England was leading Tottenham to the Champions League final in 2019. He has not won a major trophy in England, losing the League Cup final with Chelsea in 2024.

Since Ferguson left, United has been overtaken by Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Former managers Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho failed to meet the club's expectations. David Moyes, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Erik ten Hag, and Carrick also departed without winning the league. Pochettino now faces the task of reviving the fortunes of the 20-time English champion.